The election commercials, texts, and rallies seemed endless. The results are in, and how you feel one week later should not depend solely on whether your candidate won or lost. I want to share some pastoral advice as you navigate your post-election feelings, thoughts, and fears.
1. Our hope should always and only remain in Jesus Christ. You may be relieved or more fearful because of the results, but neither should replace our ultimate faith in Christ. Psalm 62 says, Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken. If you allow fear to grip you for the next four years, you will have traded away the hope of Christ. If you are resting in the reality that your winning candidate will deliver for you a peace that only God can give you may have traded away the hope of Christ. Fear should never overtake and guide us because God does not give us fear. Refocus on Christ.
2. Affirm your identity in Christ. I never want my primary identity to be political. I decided long ago that Christ would be the only person to get my 100% allegiance and agreement. He deserves it, and he earned it. That will inevitably mean I will disagree with other people and groups who do not have the same allegiance. Human leaders will fail us because we are all sinful. My identity must align with a holy God who has called me to his mission, purpose, and values. These can guide me in supporting or not supporting a particular candidate, and they define my unchanging identity in Christ. Don’t ever forget your past, present, and future… For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29
3. Point people to Jesus, not politics. When I inventory my words and actions during this election season, will people have seen Jesus or something else? The apostle Paul urged Timothy, a young Pastor, to “fight the good fight”. His church was getting distracted with speculations within myths and genealogies. Timothy was charged with rebuking these false teachers and getting everyone focused on Christ and His transforming mission. Over the past decade, many churches have regrettably ventured into both liberal and conservative politics, fostering unnecessary divisions in the body of Christ and damaging the cause of Christ. The leadership of Living Hope will not go down that path. I am sure this may disappoint some, but I am also sure this will please Jesus. At the same time, let me be clear that we should not withdraw from the political process because our faith in Christ and the authority of scripture should inform our voting and American citizenship.
4. Commit to Pray for our Governmental Leaders. When you pray for someone, you are loving them. The apostle Paul said it best. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2. If you pray before you talk, vote or teach I promise that God will guide you.
Comments