Are you glad the election is over—and with it, the barrage of TV ads filled with charges, countercharges, and ugly accusations?
And isn’t it wonderful to get a break from emails and text messages about the candidates who will save America?
Some of my feelings following the election were expressed Wednesday by my Tennessee Facebook friend, Julie Warnock Adams, wife of my friend and preaching colleague, Wilson Adams.
Daylight still shows up on time! People still go to work. Children still watch and play. Hospitals are still caring for the sick. Schools still open. The air we breathe is still available. I woke up in my home. My family is safe. I’m good.
If you are disappointed in your election results, you have work to do. Get involved in the lives of people. Learn about them. Find what you have in common. We are all humans here. We are all still made in His image which means we have the potential to show up, shine and do what is right.
I respect my Cambodian neighbors across the street. I wave and smile at my Muslim neighbors who live around the corner. My neighbors from India are kind. I have zero idea how any of them voted. But I do know how I acknowledge them will not change. They are my neighbors and I will love them as I love myself. (Mark 12:30-31)
God still reigns. Christianity remains. You choose how to live it.
Julie’s post reminded me of a blog post I wrote several years ago after a hotly contested national election. Slightly modified, it’s still applicable after this contentious midterm election.
Whether we view Tuesday’s results as a signal of America’s downfall or the answer to America’s problems, let’s remember that an election does not change our Christian responsibilities. Instead of worrying about things beyond our control, let’s focus on seven things that remain unchanged.
(1) Our loyalty to the Lord.
Our #1 loyalty is not to men. Or fleshly relationships. Or political parties. It is to our Lord Jesus Christ. He calls us to be committed to His Word. His will. And His way.
(2) Our duty to civil authority.
The Bible commands Christians to honor civil rulers. To submit to their authority for the Lord’s sake. And to render to each what is fair and just. Our submission, however, must always remain consistent with obedience to God (Acts 5:29).
Most importantly, we need to pray for our elected leaders—locally, statewide, and nationally.
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
(3) Our responsibilities to our families.
In recent years we’ve witnessed an increased attack on the traditional family unit. We all deplore the disrespect for the sanctity of life. And abhor the moral degradation so pervasive in our society. Yet, our duty to our families remains regardless of what happens in the White House, the courthouse, or the houses of Congress.
We are responsible for our own house—our own families. Our values. Our children. Our marital relationships. Husbands and wives can model for the world the kind of love Christ has for His church (Eph. 5:22–33).
(4) Our relationship to fellow believers.
Our unity in Christ must not be fractured by political differences. Remember that among the twelve apostles, Jesus chose Simon, called the Zealot, and Matthew, a tax collector. Whatever their backgrounds, their common allegiance was to Christ.
God unites us in a deeper relationship. “We belong to one another” (Rom. 12:5) in Christ. Accordingly, we must accept one another (Rom. 14:1), serve one another (Gal. 5:13), and love one another (John 13:34–35).
(5) Our obligation to help others.
We may hold to different views about the role of government in helping people, but there should be no disagreement that Christians should care about their fellow man. We are commanded to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).
(6) Our calling to live righteously.
In a world deceived by the devil, we are called to know the truth. In a world darkened by sin, we are called to be light. In a world defiled by immorality, we are called to holiness and purity (1 John 2:15–17). Peter calls us to keep our conduct honorable among the Gentiles (1 Pet. 2:12).
(7) Our mission to share His message.
It’s too easy to get caught up in a mission to promote personal interests. Our primary mission is not service clubs. Or social services. Or educational advancement. Or political activism. While none of those are wrong in themselves, we have a higher calling. A heavenly calling.
Let us share Jesus’ message of life, light, and hope with a lost world. Let’s be ready to give an answer for our hope (1 Pet. 3:15). And let’s lovingly and accurately share His message with lost souls. And exemplify it in our lives.
Brethren, the power for real change is in the gospel, not politics. Our faith is founded in Christ, not the wisdom of men. And the true hope of the believer is not found in Washington or your state’s capital, but in heaven.
Don’t be dismayed by life’s transitions. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
