We tend to forget and sometimes ignore some things we need to keep in mind; especially after an election.
1) Don't start complaining! Complaining does not solve any problem, it does not help you in any way, and it spreads a lack of faith in God's sovereignty. Do you really think that any election disrupts the plans of God? That the results took God by surprise? No. And our faith has never been in the political process, but rather the grace of a Living God. The days after an election may be tumultuous for our society and world, but for those in Christ they continue to be days in which we trust in Him. May we continue to shine as lights in the world! (And No, just because you voted you do not have the 'right' to complain.)
Philippians 2:14-15 "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
2) Pray for those in political leadership. Instead of complaining we ought to be praying. If we really believed prayer changes things, we would probably participate more in it. Scripture expressly urges us to intercede for our political leaders. That does not mean that our prophets and preachers need be quiet about evils done by our leaders (see John the Baptist and Herod for one example), but it does mean that we ought to take our leadership before the God who can transform people, change ideologies, straighten crooked paths, and call whole nations to repentance.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
3) Reaffirm our most important citizenship: Heaven! We are not Americans who are Christians, but Christians who happen to be Americans. All the kingdoms of this world will pass away. Only the word & truth of God will endure time. We should glory in the fact that the King of Kings, a holy and righteous king, is still on the throne, both of eternity and our lives. And this same king is our Savior.
This other world citizenship demands a different ethic, values, and understanding. We must have the mind of Christ as we enter the workforce, relate to one another, and enter the voting booth. Our priority to a higher law and a greater purpose will always be evident among those who have truly committed to following Christ!
Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
4) Recall that ministry is not as simple as a single election. While voting is one of the most influential events we can participate, it is not the only thing we are to do in the world. Political participation is a small sliver of the 'big picture' of what the Christian ought to be doing. Christ has given us the authority to go and make disciples (not politicians) of the world. So, while we certainly need to influence our culture & government in a positive way by voting in elections, we do not put all of our eggs in that basket. Only Christ can change our nation, because only He has the real authority to do it.
Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
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5) The United States of America will not last forever. I am blessed to have been born in this nation that allows so many freedoms, but I also recognize that it is only temporary. But the Kingdom of Heaven will last forever! Hallelujah!
1 Corinthians 15:24-25 "Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet."
6) We need to refocus on personal righteousness. Everyone quotes the verse from proverbs about "Righteousness exalts a nation...", but who is willing to be righteous (in right relationship with God)? Our country's direction is a result of individuals who walk in wickedness instead of righteousness. Let's put off hypocrisy and all sin and seek Christ above all. Let's put away our idols of materialism, entertainment, sexual immorality, and greed. Let's see revival in our own lives and we will begin to see it in our society. Yes, sin is the real problem: not the economy or education or the constitution or civil liberties, or immigration.
Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
7) Remember our hope is in Jesus above all else. People often get discouraged after an election that does not turn out the way they voted. Late nights watching the media report on voting results by precinct is fertile ground for discouragement about the results. This discouragement can lead to despair as we voice our frustrations and bemoan the results. But Jesus is still on the throne.
Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
8) Do not stop being salt and light in the political realm. The volatile nature of the political climate has never been one that can easily be navigated. In this time of social media and 24 hour cable news networks has not made it easier to gracefully and truthfully navigate issues tied to political power, emotionally charged issues, and ideologies. While they are difficult to navigate, Christians have a responsibility to influence the world around them for the sake of the kingdom of Heaven.
Ben Schettler once said: "To the person who says, 'Christians should be less political' I have a question: What descent into depravity awaits a culture whose Christians refuse to give biblical input into the direction of their nation or worse find it a moral virtue to remain silent as evil men make evil laws?"
Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
What things might you add?
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