It was quite a week in the home of the brave and the land of the free. People were sad, numb, afraid and euphoric. Some people actually believed they had “won” something. I hate to burst any bubbles…no, actually I would like to burst some bubbles. It’s hard for me to see what happened on Tuesday as “a win.” I cannot see how a nation split down the middle is a win. I cannot see the erosion of decency, the mockery of values and mean-spirited stereotyping of voters as a win. Furthermore, I do not see that anything that happened on Tuesday was ultimately a win for the church, the gospel, the weak, the hurting or the poor. I am shocked that so many people think that the occupant of the White House actually has control over the things that matter most. I would say this regardless of who “won” the election. The fact is, the greater Greenville community is going to flourish or languish because of what we do (or do not do) in God’s power as a church. I don’t mean Calvary exclusively for we are only a small part of the Church in this area. There are many local congregations and agencies that continue to be purveyors of kindness, assistance, food and most importantly, hope. For example, babies will be saved because we teach the sanctity of human life, provide foster care and resolve to establish a culture of adoption. Alpha Family Center is meeting people “where they are” providing basic necessities and counsel that promotes life and living. Lincoln Lake Camp is providing instruction and experiences that offer children, teens and adults an alternative to the drift of this culture. Straight Street, Randy’s House and Have Mercy are serving the addicted and the homeless to assist them from self-destruction to life-giving lives. WingShadow is providing opportunities for true intimacy with God that results in a flourishing inner life. The Great Commandment has nothing to do with political machinery; it has everything to do with our love for our Creator and love for our fellow man. When people love God and each other, that’s a win—a win over the world, the flesh and the devil. Let’s not forget who the enemy is. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, Jesus came that we might have life…life abundant! God has made “this Jesus” both Lord and Christ. It is Jesus that died, was buried and raised up for our justification. It is Jesus that is exalted at the right hand of the Father. It is Jesus that will return to establish His Kingdom and it is Jesus alone that is worthy of all honor, praise and glory. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we worship the One who had the most stunning victory of all time…and that win is no illusion!