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It's Finally Over.... What Now?

I have tried to stay out of the fray for the most part re: this election. And now that it is over, I have something to say.

I have seen some divisive political campaigns in my life, but this one may top the list. I believe Satan has used it not only to divide one half of this country from the other, but to divide Christians as well. Christian brothers and sisters calling the faith of others into question because of their voting preferences or political opinions. James 3:10 says "From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." 1 Peter 4:8 says "ABOVE ALL, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." I have seen so much hate and vitriol posted on social media this past year and much of it has come from fellow believers. As James says, 'this ought not to be so.' Not only are we at each other, but at opposing parties and candidates. Name calling, belittling remarks, etc. Where does it stop? 

You know that candidate that you didn't vote for and the people who did? Jesus loves them. He died for them. He can use them. He has a plan and purpose for them And we are called to love and pray for them.

So enough of the soap box. What now?

1. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! Christians were praying for this election, but now that it's over it is not time to stop. If anything, it is time to ramp it up. We can't sit back now because, guess what? In four years we get to do this all over again. What do we pray for?
  • For unity in our nation.
  • For a revival in the church and a spiritual awakening in this country.
  • For the outgoing administration that they would finish well. This has to be a bittersweet time for them.
  • For the President elect as he makes decisions regarding cabinet members and other positions.
  • For the transition of power to go smoothly.
  • For Secretary Clinton as she faces the loss of the election.
  • For our Congress to make wise decisions.
  • For the Supreme Court - the same.
  • For the salvation of those in and outside of government who are lost.
2. BE KIND. Enough already. There are people hurting today. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to pour so many years of my life toward a goal, truly believe I had reached it, and then have it fall apart before my eyes. Make it a point to show some act of kindness to someone who thinks differently than you. "Therefore, as God's chosen people. holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." ~ Colossians 3:12

3. SHOW SOME RESPECT. We are not all called to agree with the government, but we are called to submit to it. "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished." Romans 13:1-2
And to pray for them, "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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior," 1 Timothy 2:1-3. These instructions were given to Christians under the rule of the Roman Empire and Emperors like Nero. Name calling, insulting, disrespect, etc is not acceptable. Period.

4. EXERCISE YOUR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. Tell somebody about Jesus. Shine the light in the darkness. For many evangelicals, this was what drove us to the polls. Let's put it into practice. 
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

5. LOVE OTHERS, As Christians, we are supposed to represent Christ to the world. Spiritual growth is essentially becoming more like Christ and He came to this world to show it the love of God. (John 3:16). Likewise, we are to show His love to a lost and dying culture.."Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

6. TRUST IN GOD. We have an incredible opportunity before us as a nation and as Christians to see how God is going to work out His plan over the next few years. We have to trust that He has a plan and that it is for "good and not for evil to give us a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) We have to "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding. In ALL our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

What do you think? Leave me some comments on how you think we can reach out to others during this time? How can we be reassuring? Encouraging?



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