'Mine Elect'

Good words to consider this week! The full text from Isaiah is "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him" (42:1).

The reassurance that God has conclusively elected each one of us as His idea is a principle to lean on this week. This principle in action guides the application of human laws and systems to resolve uncertainties or conflicting opinions. God's all-knowing wisdom does not discriminate for or against political parties or personalities.

There is a God-given presence and certainty at the center of all honest decisionmaking and resolution.

The democratic system of self-government has a long record of success. Its freedom of choice may come as close as humanly possible to the divine government. But democracy keeps and deserves that closeness only as it continues to hold the government of divine Principle, God, as its foundation.

The present need for a conclusion to the national election in the United States of America demands that democratic self-government rise to a higher level of refinement. This demand is not just on the potential leaders, but remains as well on the voters, not to leave the scene and abdicate their prayerful responsibilities for the good of the whole.

Although the choice of David as leader by the prophet Samuel was not a democratic process, its lesson and impact on the principles of democracy today lie in its clear example of trusting in the guidance of God (see I Sam., chap. 16). David, Jesse's youngest son, was away tending the sheep while each of his older brothers was present, and expected to be the selected leader. None of them was chosen, and Samuel asked Jesse if there were any more sons. Young David was brought in from his shepherding and anointed as leader.

God guided the prophet Samuel in praying for and making this choice. The selection was so divinely obvious to all that there was no need for another vote, a recount, or litigation.

This Old Testament example of divine guidance and listening and responding is not lost on us in this time of national need. The principle of God's omnipotent and benevolent government is in flawless action. Trust and faith in that principle guides political parties, candidates, campaigns, advisors, electors, judges, and voters - and all citizens.

In a November 1908 note in the Boston Post, Mary Baker Eddy wrote a brief and useful response to a question about her politics. Her reply is useful this November: "I am asked, 'What are your politics?' I have none, in reality, other than to help support a righteous government; to love God supremely, and my neighbor as myself" ("The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," pg. 276).

As of this writing, the American political scene is not yet settled. It is important that none of us lose our dignity and dominion in this transitional state. The constitutional system of governing the United States is founded on the clearest possible discernment of the divine government. It will survive this testing time and go on serving the highest interest of its citizens.

Faithfulness to the highest sense of manhood and womanhood under the government of God, from whatever platform in the political spectrum, will aid and resolve uncertainties, unself ambition, and sustain right leadership.

One of the Apostle Paul's letters offers a benediction to the November 7 election: "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering .... And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Col. 3:12, 15).

For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government shall

be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall

be called Wonderful,

Counsellor, The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9: 6

(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society