Jubilant? Despondent? How God’s people should respond to the election results

The election is over.

Finally, the popups, the stuffed mailboxes and nonstop advertisements can disappear and we can get back to living life.

A little less than 0ne-half of our nation is suffering disappointment, and another large percentage is completely thrilled. Another large percentage is uneasy with the results.

Let me speak to all sides.

As a follower of Christ, I offer prayers of blessing upon our new government and our new leaders.  Paul exhorted  us to submit to our authorities and Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.”

So we pray. And we submit.

There’s been much passion on all sides. People of good faith and conviction stake out positions, often on opposite ends. That’s the nature of humankind and even Christendom. It’s not the end of the world. Neither is it the end of all your problems.

Something I remind my friends is that even if the election went their way, all of their troubles won’t be solved. Our hope isn’t in this world, nor is it in the institutions that run it. As Christians, our purpose should transcend our politics.

Big Government, little church?

Whether it’s ISIS, international affairs, unemployment or the economy, the candidates have been waving magic wands, swatting all our concerns.  We believe our rescue, our very faith, is in government.

It’s doesn’t matter who takes the helm of President, or who controls Congress. We have a bigger task, a longer-term goal. When have politics ever saved us from harm, let alone saved us from ourselves? 

To be honest, I’m not sure any elected official fixing anyone’s life issues. In fact, I see big government as a direct result of a little church.

We used to be the ones that responded to society’s needs, starting hospitals, feeding the poor and taking care of each other as we aged.

But something happened along the way. The government stepped in and offered to take on that role. They promised they could do it better. And the church responded by washing our hands. Our tithe money was diverted to taxes. We quit caring.

Whom do you trust?

Here’s a timely quote from David Jeremiah, found in his book, the “What in the World is Going On.”

“Our trust has never been in governments, civilizations or cultures. By the standards of eternity, these institutions last but a moment, crumbling into dust to be swept away by the winds of history. They are helpful while they are here, but they have never been worthy of our trust. We have always put our trust in the One who stands above institutions, above history and even above time itself ­­ by the One whose power and permission these things exist, and who knows their times an the ends of their days. Only He is worthy of our ultimate allegiance.”

For centuries, God’s faithful believers have lived through despots, knaves and fools as kings and rulers. And, at times, we have followed heros and great leaders.

But in the end, the election results are of minor consequence, because we have a different order, a kingdom that is not of this world.

But may we never forget where our trust lies. It does not lie in government. It does not lie in any political power or institution or personality. Our trust lies in God alone. Our government will not save us.

That’s the city on a hill we ache for.