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One of the most divisive and chaotic election campaigns has come to an end. During this time Christians in America have faced many opportunities to exercise patience and let our faith shine. Chances are each of us have experienced some failures and some successes. Politicians and pundits will now judge and discuss the consequences of the election. But whatever those consequences may be, for Christians there are three truths to which we must now turn our attention.
Your brother is still your brother. Surely there have been some disagreements on who we preferred for president, congress, and local officials, but as Christians we must remember our heavenly citizenship comes first (Phil. 3:20). Post-election is a great time to remember and reaffirm that we are taught by God to love one another (1 Thess. 4:9), and by this love the world will see evidence that we are disciples of Jesus (John 13:35). Christian, your brother is still your brother.
Your neighbor is still your neighbor. A contentious election has not changed the fact that Jesus affirmed in scripture that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Our responsibility to imitate Jesus, who went about doing (Acts 10:38), has not changed. Even if we consider someone a “political enemy,” we still must love them, even if we were the target of cursing, hate, and spite (Matthew 5:44). And if the election did not “go your way,” as a Christian you are still duty bound to love. Your neighbor is still your neighbor.
God is still God. Most importantly, no matter how the election turned out, we must understand that God is still in control. As Daniel wrote, “He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21). Whatever administration that is in control following the election, is one God has allowed (Romans 13:1), and we are to be subject to them (1 Peter 2:13-17). God is still God, and we must trust Him.
Ultimately, we are reminded by the apostle to “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Now that the campaign is over, we need to redouble our efforts to put these concepts to work so that our Father in heaven may be glorified (Matt. 5:13-16).
Matt Clifton
BulletinDigest.com