“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” The opening paragraph from Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities depicts the social contradictions at that time. It is also very fitting for portraying the social and political turmoil we have experienced in the United States in recent years. A series of incidents confirms that social divisions and political polarization have continued unabated. Radical and inflammatory rhetoric from political leaders, amplified by the Internet and social media, has added fuel to the fire. The rhetoric has pushed distrust between supporters of the two major political parties to new heights, with nearly two-thirds of people in both parties viewing the other as unethical, dishonest, and closed-minded, the Pew Research Center found.
In this noisy and divisive environment, we Christians should not acquiesce and go with the flow. We must not waver in fixing our sights on our God. We should constantly remind ourselves that we serve and lean only on the omnipotent and faithful sovereign God, rather than counting on earthly powers or politicians’ promises. And we need to know that we have the power to effect change in society. Pastor John Stott suggested four ways we can be influential as Christians：
Pray earnestly for our community, our country, and the world. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Believe in the power of biblical truth to bring deliverance and redemption to those who respond and believe in Jesus. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
Demonstrate the power of example by becoming more like Christ. Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Serve our God with one heart. Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
In this election year, may God lead us and grant us the wisdom of discernment, to become a positive force for reconciliation and in the restoration of civility and respect in our discord.
Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”