by Kevin Carson
A. Crazy. Absolutely crazy. Have you ever experienced anything like this? I haven’t. So how do we handle this contentious contest when the election is over? What are we to do now? Whether or not your candidate is on top, there is good news for each of us — even with our concerns (and possibly fears) for our country, our children, our family, our economy, our morals, our court system, and our churches. Let me share three biblical principles to help you move forward from this election in a God-honoring way.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME OF THE ELECTION
Our primary responsibility is to pray for governmental leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4). There may be other good and helpful things you can do today, tomorrow, and over the many days before the next election. But, the best thing you can do is obey the Bible which says to pray for your leaders. Our prayer begins with gratitude for God providing us protection through government, and continues for the leaders, that God would grant them wisdom and strength. We pray God would protect the government as it seeks to protect us.
Why is it necessary to pray diligently for those who lead us? Because power corrupts. It seems no matter how much power or things we get, we always want more. We are never satisfied (Ephesians 4:17-19). Those who are actually the servants of God for our good also happen to be sinners. They have the same problem we do — self-interest. It is the natural response to life, but the opposite of what God desires from us (Matthew 22:34-40). Power and self-interest create a powerful temptation. As go the leaders, so goes the government. Therefore, it is imperative we pray for those in authority.
We also are to live a life that honors God in whatever we do. As we live a God-honoring life, we seek to demonstrate godliness and respect. This both helps our communities as a whole and our neighbors individually. This is part of God’s plan for every Christ-follower (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Honoring God daily looks like submitting to governmental authority in Christ, while demonstrating respect for those who are in authority (1 Peter 2:13-17).
OUR ULTIMATE HOPE
The ultimate hope is that all men everywhere have a personal relationship with Christ (1 Timothy 2:3-7). God wants all people to experience forgiveness of their sins through the death of Christ on the cross. Jesus willingly died to pay the penalty for sin. The Bible teaches we are to be grateful for government because, when it operates the way God planned, it provides us the opportunity to share the wonderful Gospel message — Christ’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
Many are concerned the church will be persecuted in the near future. Indeed, it is not difficult to see how Christianity is under attack. Certainly in a postmodern world where anything and everything is valid, the world does not want a strong church with a biblical view of sin and truth from an authoritative, inerrant, and sufficient Bible. But the Gospel shines brightest and clearly articulates an alternative way of living in this context.
OUR COMPLETE CONFIDENCE
As this election becomes just a time in history, we again commit our complete confidence in God’s power and plan. The Bible encourages us to recognize that God’s control includes elections and election results. Whether it is by the democratic process or through revolt, ultimately God controls government. Daniel, when speaking to Nebuchadnezzar, explained it best, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings;” (Daniel 2:20-21; cf. Psalm 75:7). Regarding nations and kingdoms, Isaiah wrote, “Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales; … All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless” (Isaiah 40:15-17). Essentially, all nations and their leaders fall under God’s providential control. The winner of this election only wins because it fits inside God’s plan. This plan is for our good and His glory as we strive to become more like Christ (Romans 8:28-30). With complete confidence of God’s Word, we can trust God.
So, regardless of your candidate’s finish, let’s keep our hope in Christ and focus on gratitude for the gift of government and, even greater, God’s control. Let’s also pray and hope those elected will focus on serving people rather than being served. As Christ-followers, let’s commit ourselves to respecting those in authority as we seek to live lives that honor God.