Political issues predictably grab our national focus, but a presidential election can take up all the proverbial oxygen in the room. It dominates so much of our thinking, talking, and feeling for so long that it can seem rather suffocating. So what do we do when it’s over?
For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you. (1 Peter 1:24-25 NIV)
No matter who wins, nearly half the population will be disappointed, even devastated. For Christians, these matters can never be primary or ultimate. Our worldview is rooted in God's enduring and authoritative Word. We know that the things of this world, even seemingly big things, are destined to pass away. We know the difference between the temporal and the eternal, yet the temporal constantly commands our attention. If our hope is truly in Christ, then even the most hotly contested election cannot diminish that hope, nor can any other earth-bound thing. No candidate, no platform, no policy can save the world; only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do that. Christ-followers must live every day with that reality clearly in view.
There are at least two specific responses required of all Christians regardless of who wins a given election. God’s Word is clear that we must (1) submit to authority and (2) pray for those who are in authority.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. (1 Peter 2:12-14 NIV)
The way Christians conduct themselves represents Christ in a Christ-rejecting world. As strangers here, our Gospel will inevitably be viewed with a jaundiced eye by the unbelievers around us, so the way we live is essential to helping the lost see the reality of who Jesus is. Rebellion and grumbling are not an accurate reflection of the character of Christ; rather, the Christlike submission to earthly authorities mirrors the attitude and conduct of our Savior when He was abused and mistreated by the unrighteous authorities of this world.
Nonetheless, the real authority is our Creator God, and we must always submit to His law above all else. When faced with conflicting demands, always submit to the higher authority…and God’s authority is ultimate. There are times when standing for truth is a revolutionary act, but those who represent the King of Kings must never take any act of defiance—even one born of deep conviction—lightly. Rebellion, sedition, or disrespect of authority in themselves are contrary to the nature and call of God.
Regardless of the outcome of this or any election, Christians are clearly called to submit to governing authorities with the understanding that all authority is given (delegated) by God, who is sovereign over all. Even those who do not know Him derive whatever power or authority they may wield from Him and will answer to Him for the ungodly use thereof. While we stand against evil in all its forms, the Christian default must be an attitude of rightful and Christlike submission, as if we are submitting to the Lord himself. Such a Christ-reflecting, God-honoring life is how we represent God’s Kingdom in the kingdom of this world.
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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Since we know that everything in this world is passing, we must give priority to what is not passing. We must prioritize the things that matter over the things that merely seem to matter, the things that matter for eternity over the things that matter only for this life. The Gospel—the good news of salvation by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ—is a matter of eternal life and death. It pleases God for His people to earnestly pray for the salvation of those who are outside of that saving relationship with Him. That includes our leaders and those we consider enemies, and it applies no less when those people are one and the same.
Pray for the people you voted for. Pray for the people you voted against. Pray for all of them, because in so doing, you will reflect the reality of Christ and the grace of God to a world that desperately needs to see and know Him. It may lead to God changing the people you pray for, but it will most assuredly change your own heart toward them as you begin to view them through eyes of love in Jesus’ name. That does not mean you will agree with them politically; it means you are choosing to obey God and learning to reflect the love of Christ through prayer.
May we each, first as Christians and also as Americans, seek God’s will for our nation by seeking God’s best for our leaders and for one another. If we pray for God’s Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as in Heaven, then let it begin with us as we choose to walk in submission and prayer.
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