In British Columbia, the Canadian province where I reside, politics can most gently be described as polarized. This week's provincial elections added yet another dimension to that picture. After weeks of campaigning it appeared that the results were pre-determined: Party B would handily oust ruling Party A. All the polls pointed that way and, contrary to Party A's prediction, a change in government seemed inevitable. That's not what happened, though. Out of the clear blue, or so it seemed to many of us, Party A walloped their political opponents and gained an even greater majority. The polls closed, results started to appear in the media and a numbness born of shock settled over everyone.
It wasn't long until the analyses began, preceded only by celebrations in one camp and near funereal mourning in the other. Pundits offered their opinions: the leader wasn't strong enough; he wasn't a good speaker; and above all, it was the fault of those voters who were so firmly convinced of victory that they failed to turn out to mark their ballot. Whatever the reason or multiplied reasons, the die is cast for another four years. Like it or not, Party A has been re-elected.
I've been considering this turn of events and in turn thinking of how God extends his grace to us. First, there is nothing we can do to make Christ love us more - or less. Next, His acceptance of us is not dependent on any measure of goodness we have. Our own or others' opinions of us may change but his love never changes. I have neither the desire nor the required ability to run for public office but because of God's grace extended to me, he called me.
"Brethren beloved by God, we recognize and know that He has selected (chosen) you." 1 Thessalonians 1:4
