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When the other candidate wins

A Christian Science perspective.

  • By Madelon Maupin

The US national election this week revealed very close popular votes for both the open congressional seats and the presidency. That means that almost 50 percent of those who voted didn’t see “their guy” win.

So how do we all get behind those candidates who were successful in order to support our elected officials? By understanding that the highest form of human government reflects the divine government of God, divine Mind, presiding over His creation, which He dearly loves. This creation includes each one of us – Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, black or white, wealthy or poor.

The founder of the Monitor, Mary Baker Eddy, was a dedicated student of the Bible, and, like many today, found it a source of strength and wisdom for every challenge. Much of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament to Christians) conveys the story of the Israelites surviving a wilderness experience under the God-trusting leadership of Moses, only to eventually make their way into Canaan, have tribal judges guide them, then throw it all overboard for a government of kings. The lessons were heartbreaking as their kingdoms were crushed and the people taken into exile (first, to Assyria, then Babylon).

The prophet Jeremiah was one of those taken from his Jerusalem home to the Babylonian kingdom governed by King Nebuchadnezzar. The 29th chapter of Jeremiah speaks to those trying to find their spiritual equilibrium after an election when “the other guy” triumphs. The prophet’s counsel to his fellow captives is relevant to those who feel they live in a political system that feels foreign.

“Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare” (verse 7, New Living Translation). The verses continue with God speaking, as the prophet heard Him: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (verse 11).

What relevant and practical guidance for every citizen in any election, regardless of who wins. Mrs. Eddy wrote, “Infinite Mind creates and governs all, from the mental molecule to infinity” (“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 507). What a relief to glimpse that an intelligence so far beyond human intellect is capable of guiding, protecting, defending, and providing for every individual involved in city, state, or federal government. The demand is for us to be aware of this divine power, then listen for and follow these spiritual directives that can have such relevant application to a 2012 election.

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