Where Do We Go From Here?

Well, we did it! Once again we came together at the polls to peacefully cast our votes to elect a new President, Vice President, and numbers of Senators and Representatives. Now our hope is that thru their courage and love of country they will navigate our ship of state safely through the rough waters now rocking our nation.

So, where do we go from here and what do we do now with the government we the people have selected? What if those elected do not hold a Christian world-view? What if too many Americans have lost or never had the same Christian foundation you have? What about the lack of accountability in high places? What about the anguish of economic woes facing us? Are there Biblical instructions about what to do and where to start? Without a doubt the answers are “Yes” to all these questions!

First - take heart! Regardless of whether your candidates won or lost, or your political preferences were affirmed or rejected, remember the God of the Bible is still in control. Don’t question Him—trust Him for He is still Lord over all, regardless of who is in or out of office, or whether our economy rises or falls (Psalm 23, Psalm 75:7, Psalm 89:10; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 13:1, 2 Timothy 2:9).

Second - pray that (a.) both winners and losers in this election will realize that every one of us will give an account of our lives to the Lord on the Day of Judgment, and that (b.) this truth will govern and temper all our actions accordingly, regardless of public opinions, political decisions, or economic conditions (Matthew 12:36-37, Matthew 22:1-14, Romans 14:10-12, Hebrews 4:13, Hebrews 10:31).

Third - don’t stand idly by. Be involved vocally and proactively by contacting your local, state, and federal legislators to voice your opinions on their performances, to share with them your ideas, to thank them for their service, and to hold them accountable for their decisions. Express your views to the news media, your friends, your family, and publish your thoughts on political blogs and websites (2 Timothy 1:7).

Fourth - immediately respond to the Lord’s invitation to humble yourself and pray long enough and earnestly enough to receive from Him renewed life and a return of wholeness and righteousness in our land (2 Chronicles 7:14-15).

Fifth - become involved in identifying, encouraging, and supporting potential political candidates who you believe would in future elections faithfully represent your Christian views and lifestyle (Exodus 18:21, Deuteronomy 1:13, 2 Samuel 23:3). Remember Christians do not embrace this present world system because it is flawed, failing, and fading away. We respond to a higher calling that has a real future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 Peter 3:13, 1 John 2:15).

Sixth – reject a critical spirit. It’s tempting to speak negatively about changing conditions when we feel threatened or to degrade those who hold different ideologies when our personal space is challenged. But Christians walk to a different drum beat. We have chosen a lifestyle that builds up, not tears down, encourages, not discourages. We are called to be part of the solution not part of the problem and nothing should detract us from the mission entrusted to us—being light and salt in the world. (Matthew 5:14-16, Luke 13:34-35, Romans 12:17-21).

Seventh - step into the challenge of making disciples for the Lord. The kingdom of God is built incrementally—one person at a time, won by one, from the inside out. Changing hearts must come before changing society. We push back the kingdom of darkness by winning people to the Lord and teaching them the requirements, benefits and rewards of His kingdom. In all this, the Holy Spirit helps us become disciple-makers by encouraging us, prompting us, and leading us to those who must come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ before it’s too late. (Exodus 23:29-30, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8).

Lastly, and most importantly, if you won’t do it, who will?