This year’s election process and results have brought on a barrage of emotions in almost every American. Some are relieved, others are concerned. Many are angry and feeding fuel to a fire of division already in need of quenching.
As Christians, we have a different set of standards in how we respond to life events and challenges. We’re called to rise above the rest and stand out as a shining city on a hill. Though it may be tempting to have our say, our greatest aim should always be to please the Lord in all things.
In the face of the vitriol and rhetoric, here are 5 Ways Christians Should Respond After the Election.
1. Refuse to Fear
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9
Much has been made of the response to this election. Threats of backlash and violence, no matter the outcome, came pouring in from the media, seeking to instill fear into American citizens.
While others may entertain fear and respond accordingly, Christians are commanded to “fear not,” and for good reason! Fear always leads to poor decisions, and we know, “fear involves torment” (1 John 4:18).
No matter what the media says, what your neighbors or anyone else might say, you have a choice, and you must choose faith over fear. Remember, you have Psalm 91 protection all around you. That means, no matter what is going on around you, “no evil shall befall you” when you make “the Most High, your dwelling place.”
Keep your eyes on the Lord, not on the chaos around you. Declare that you have the mind of Christ and wisdom from God. Confess that you are covered by the blood of Jesus. Be still and know that He is God. And believe for good to come out of the election results and everything else impacting our nation today.
Fear won’t accomplish anything. But your faith can move mountains!
2. Stay Involved
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” –1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESVUK)
Most people want to do more in the public square, but don’t know how. The election is over, but your influence is not. You are a steward of this great nation God has given you. Now isn’t the time to sit back and watch—it’s time to stay involved and make a difference in the days ahead!
Here are a few ways you can stay involved in shaping the future of your country:
- Stay informed. Be careful not to overdo it with the news, but keep yourself abreast of local policies and school board decisions.
- Vote in the midterm elections. Did you know most people sit out the midterm elections? They’re critical to the direction our nation heads. Stay involved, and plan to vote again in two years. Don’t just wait for presidential elections. Midterm elections are most often even more impactful than presidential elections.
- Run for office. Sound too far-fetched? Think about it. Pray about it. We need righteous people in every available office.
- Organize a letter campaign. While a single letter is good, hundreds of letters make a significant impact. Choose a piece of legislation or a policy issue you’re passionate about, and organize a letter campaign at your church. You can then send the letters to your state legislator or Congress member.
- Let your voice be heard. A lot happens in a day when it comes to policy. You can let your voice be heard at school board meetings, city council meetings and other hearings on issues of concern. And encourage others to do the same!
3. Shift Your Prayers Into Another Gear
“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” –Jeremiah 29:7 (NKJV)
The end of an election cycle may seem like just that—the end. But it’s only the beginning! As we press forward as a nation, there are judges to be chosen, policies to be approved or vetoed. It’s time to shift your prayers into another gear. Get focused and become a fervent and effective pray-er for our nation.
- Pray for peace and unity among citizens.
- Pray for righteousness to rule the policies being promoted.
- Pray for the media to shift and be fair and balanced in their reporting.
- Pray for the next Great Awakening.
- Pray for whatever else the Holy Spirit leads you to pray.
Prayer changes things. More than anything else, your heartfelt, faith-filled prayers can change the course of this nation. And you’re called to it. So get praying!
4. Disarm the Spirit of Strife
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” –Proverbs 20:3 (NIV)
No matter how you feel about the election process or outcome, the spirit of strife does not belong in your heart or coming out of your mouth. When people around you or on social media make remarks that upset you (how about a social media fast?), think twice about if and how you respond.
Find 3 Reasons to Go on a Media Fast HERE.
Right now, people are looking for hope—something that transcends politics. You have the answers they need. Don’t blow your testimony by spouting off with angry, critical remarks. Disarm the spirit of strife in you and others by responding in LOVE. Jesus is the best example of how to respond to your critics. And He never let anger get the best of Him.
Election processes and outcomes are not our only hope. Let’s remember that our hope is found in one place—Christ alone.
5. Be a Light
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
This is not the time to shrink back! Don’t allow yourself to fall into the backdrop of society’s rhetoric. You have a message and a voice. Elected officials are not our answer—the gospel is what will turn America around for good!
Be a light in a dark world. Don’t self-censor when conversations get controversial—speak the truth! Speak it in love, but do speak. Stand for righteousness, even in the face of persecution. If enough of us stand boldly for truth, we we’ll begin to see a turn in the tide.
In times like these, it’s essential to keep your eyes on your eternal homeland, and remember that, while things are often uncertain down here, your true citizenship is in heaven.
Be a light—one that points people to where your true citizenship lies, and where theirs can, too.
These five ways Christians should respond after the election will empower you as we move forward in a time that tempts us to feel powerless. God has given us all authority here on earth—to love others, live fearlessly, pray boldly, and speak the truth and the light into the darkness. You have an assignment—your marching orders. Now, go live it!
Related Articles:
3 Reasons to Go on a Media Fast
7 Ways to Stand in Faith for Your Nation
© 1997 – 2024 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Aka Kenneth Copeland Ministries. All Rights Reserved.