Well, it’s over.  The 2016 election has come to a shocking end that almost nobody saw coming.  Donald J. Trump is the President Elect of The United States of America.  And a sleep deprived nation is struggling to figure out what it all means.  Honestly, I don’t know what it means for our country; only time will tell.  But, for the church, this has the potential to be a defining moment.

As Christians, we’ve known throughout this election that our hope is in Christ.  Yes, politics matter and government is a good and noble enterprise.  But our ultimate security and confidence is in Jesus.  Today is the day we show the world what that means.  In the aftermath of the most polarizing election in decades, today is the day for the church to make hope visible.  Here’s what that could look like:

Don’t Despair & Don’t Gloat

People will be able to tell where our hope is by how we react today.  If you celebrate Trump more than you’ve ever celebrated Jesus, both online and in person, people will know which is more important to you.  And if you act like all is lost, people will suspect our confidence in Christ is more of a coping mechanism than an anchor for the soul.  Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) so we can walk into today with steady confidence and unwavering hope.

Reach Out, Especially To The Vulnerable & Afraid

You are an ambassador of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20)  Christianity is not defined by a party, a platform or a politician.  It’s defined by an empty tomb, by the Word of God and by the unrivaled Lordship of Jesus Christ.  Our world needs to know who Jesus is and what His church is all about.  We stand with the widow and orphan, the immigrant and refugee, the poor and disenfranchised, the minority and marginalized.  We believe all people are made in the image of God – men, women, white, black, young, old and unborn.  The gospel reveals a Savior who is the culmination of justice and mercy.  The cross of Jesus is a megaphone of hope, truth, life and freedom.

The world will come to see that when we take the lead in reaching out, especially to the vulnerable and afraid.  And there are many walking in fear today – Muslims, minorities, immigrants and refugees.  Perfect love drives out all fear. (1 John 4:18)  By God’s grace, we can be the instruments of that love.

Speak Kindly

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29)  Please, speak in a manner worthy of the gospel, both online and in person.  Enough divisive rhetoric, enough polarization, enough fear and bitterness.  Let’s take the lead in restoring civility and leading others to treat one another with respect as fellow image bearers of God.

In the aftermath of this election, I’m praying for Donald Trump, for the United States of America and the for the church of Jesus Christ.