How Red-Faced Christians Should Respond to the Election
Election night was a superbowl for America of sorts. Team Red lost and Team Blue won. I know Christians on both teams. So how should my red-faced brothers and sisters in Christ respond to the election results?
1. Rejoice!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
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It looked like some of the conservative commentators on election night were about to have their heads explode (remember the movie "Scanners"?) as they tallied the election results and realized Team Blue was winning.
But, as Christians, we need to rejoice in the Lord always, even when the political team we are rooting for loses. When Paul commanded Christians to rejoice always he was writing these words to the Philippian church from prison, chained to a guard and girding himself for potential execution. Losing an election (like Team Red) verses losing your head (like Paul) is not really a comparison. And, in the midst of Paul's pending execution, he called the Philippians and us to rejoice…always!
2. Relax!
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others." Daniel 2:20,21
While I believe we, as Christians, have a responsibility to vote, we need to remember that, ultimately, God is in charge of the elections. "He deposes kings and raises others up."
Regardless of what you think of President Obama, he is the one whom God appointed as President of the United States for this time. We need to pray for him, the Congress, Supreme Court, governors, etc. (1 Timothy 2:1,2).
We need to relax, knowing that God is in charge of this country (and every country for that matter!) He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords and the President of presidents. This election didn't escape His notice or His sovereignty. So take a deep breath and, if need be, a chill pill (but please, no marijuana which, by the way, my home state of Colorado just legalized.) God's got this.
3. Re-engage!
If you don't like the election results, then re-engage politically. We live in a country that thrives on debate and change. It was built on beautiful tension between the state governments and Federal government, between the judicial, executive and legislative branches, and between opposing political parties. Four years will be here before you can think or blink and a new president will be elected.
But regardless of your team affiliation re-engage with the one thing (other than prayer) which will change this nation from the inside out…evangelism! Share your faith with both teams (as well as with those rascally independents!) Evangelize friends and strangers alike. Because, when the Holy Spirit invades a person's soul, He wants to influence everything…including their political worldview!
At the end of Election Day Christians shouldn't be identified by the politic team we are rooting for, but by the deepest passion we are living for…love for God and neighbors. And we shouldn't rest until all of our neighbors know this love of God personally.
Go Team Jesus!
