Few of us will argue the uniqueness of 2020. My favorite image of the year ignited a burst of humor that tickled my ribs because it was bluntly true. If you didn't catch it yourself, it pictured the front cover of Time Magazine, headlining their annual recognition of the Person of the Year. It was a picture of Mr. Mayhem, the Allstate Insurance advertising guy wearing a smirk and Band Aid on his face. . Mr. Mayhem was depicted as the Man of the Year for 2020. If you want to see the Pinterest version of this classic interpretation, click here. Mayhem may be the most descriptive addition to the schemata of true drama. You know---comedy, tragedy, farce, and now, mayhem. Lord help us!
Whatever you choose to call it, it has been a challenging year for most of us. Chart the course---the restrictions, dynamics, and uncertainty of a global pandemic; social unrest and turmoil: racial tension; employment adjustments; spiritual diversity and clashing values; home schooling; family alignments; and election 2020, to mention only a few. Then add the personal challenges each of us have surely faced. In total, it has represented perhaps the most unusual year for a great many of us. 2020, the year of Mr. Mayhem and his disruptive ways. And, guess what? There's surely could be more.
The results of election 2020 will test the fiber of the America thing from sea to shining sea. More than any time in our national epoch the political parties and candidates have marked sharply opposing positions on most campaign issues. Partisans are intensely passionate, perhaps alarmingly so, in support of platform planks and party ideals. Many political observers and media types are anticipating social unrest and further turmoil in the aftermath of November 3 results. And, of course, the artisans of drama, the queens and kings who are the masters of boisterous verbiage and inflammatory show are poised and positioned to instigate election 2020 drama.
Personal conduct is a reflection of the worldview we hold. The Christian worldview through which I observe life has generated a very strong list of political positions that will give me direction in the voting booth on November 3. My response to their affirmation or rejection by the American people is, however, a stronger worldview dictate. What I think is right for America, even when based on my best interpretation of Scripture, is secondary to the clear and firm biblical instruction about how I respond to the ways it is received by the voting public. That's why any disruptive or destructive actions by the political drama queens and kings is wrong. Two Bible verses will dictate my reactions to the vote of the people---
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his
works in the meekness of wisdom.
James 3: 13, ESV
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you
as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2: 12, ESV
Drama 2020 has been a perplexing year. Mr. Mayhem gave us a few smiles as his oddness shadowed us. He can visit us again next week when the ballots are counted and the direction of our nation for the next four years is determined. Each of us should vote our convictions, pray for our population as we make our decisions, and then conduct ourselves with the mind of Christ afterward.
It's the American way. No, the Christian way. The result may be comedy, tragedy, or farce. Let's not permit it to be mayhem.
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