As I scan through my social media feeds, I cannot help but to be a little overwhelmed by all of the posts regarding the election last night. There is no way for someone to read through everything that is being said (unless you can read as fast as the FBI can when reading Hilary’s emails [sorry, I just couldn’t help myself]); so let me add some more thoughts for people to scroll past. Some of these thoughts, I know, have already been communicated, but maybe a few of them can be helpful for the 1 or 2 people that will read this. So here are five thoughts…

 

1.  For many evangelicals, yesterday was a very difficult decision… so quit the mudslinging, and love one another!

 

Several times I have read statements like this one: “yesterday is the reason I will no longer identify myself with evangelicals.” My response to that is, REALLY? You’re going to allow Mr. Trump to trump (pun intended) your shared beliefs in a gospel that has saved you from the wrath of God and given you new life in Christ. That’s what this election (the most difficult and controversial election in our history) has driven you to? In case you didn’t know, there was a record turnout for the presidential election among evangelical voters, and that vote was a big reason for Trump’s victory. The result is that a few of the evangelicals who didn’t vote for Trump (aka NeverTrump) are upset (extremely upset) with those who did. Now please don’t get me wrong, if you are an Evangelical who attempted to defend the character of Mr. Trump, then you really need to read your Bible a little bit more. Maybe begin with Proverbs, and highlight every passage that speaks about the foolish person. When you read it, you will come to the conclusion that a picture of Donald Trump could go right next to just about every single one of those passages. So this is not a defense for you! If you are an Evangelical who refused to vote for Trump because of his absolute character flaws, his “dictator” type personality, and/or the fact that many of his policies lacked substance, then I believe you made an honorable decision that is also defensible by scripture. I 100% respect the fact that you voted your conscience. And this is not a judgment upon you! If, however, you are an evangelical who is now mudslinging, and pouring out your vitriolic sentiments against fellow evangelicals who voted for Trump, but nonetheless, voted their conscience, then this IS for you. In fact, your statements sound rather Trumpish if you ask me. And yes I do believe there were valid reasons (defensible by scripture) for voting for Trump despite his glaring character flaws (voting for the protection of unborn lives who cannot defend themselves being reason numero uno [in my opinion]). So please quit the mudslinging. To quote a pastor friend quoting an obscure German theologian, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, but in all things love.” Please, go read the book of First John and love one another in the truths of gospel

 

2.  The leadership of Mr. Trump is in the hands of the Lord (it would have been the same for Mrs. Clinton as well)

 

Proverbs 21:1 says,

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

 

Believer, do you understand this? There is nothing that Mr. Trump can or won’t do that is outside the control of our sovereign Lord! You disagree with his foreign policies? God is in control. You disagree with his domestic policies? God is in control. You disagree with his economic policies? God is in control. You disagree with his immigration policies? God is in control. Find peace and rest in this fact!

 

3.  Regardless of whom you wanted to win or not win, scripture’s demand on your life is that you now pray for Mr. Trump (the same would have been the case for Mrs. Clinton)

 

In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul says,

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

 

Pray, and pray hard! Pray that God might redeem the character of Mr. Trump. Pray that God would bring about justice and peace for our nation through Mr. Trump. Pray that through the election of Mr. Trump the gospel might be able to go forth in our own nation and to the world. This leads to number four…

 

4.  Use this fragile and divisive time in our country as an opportunity to preach the gospel

 

Do you see people who are fearful of what may take place in the following years? Then tell them about the One who can remove all fears! Do you see people acting in a divisive manner? Then tell them about the One who can bring peace in their lives now, but more importantly, who can bring them peace with God for eternity. Use these times to make much of Christ and what He has accomplished!

 

5.  Remember who is ultimately on the throne, a position that is not up for re-election every four years

 

Last but definitely not least…I feel like so many people every four years get so worked up about a particular candidate. That candidate, whoever it may be, dominates their thoughts, their conversations, their social networks; he or she pretty much dominates their lives. Here’s my question: we serve and worship One who is sitting on a throne, holding the universe in existence; He has no character flaws, He has no scandals attached to His name (other than dying for, and giving complete pardon of sins to those who would believe in Him); He is perfectly just, righteous, loving, and gracious, and yet every fours years (if not sooner) He is replaced by a fallen, sinful, broken, weak, wicked individual. I am not saying put your head in the ground and ignore what is going on in the world. That too, is a wrong and unbiblical way of living your life and viewing the world. But what I am asking, is for you to have a Christ-centered perspective in the way that you live your life and view the world. To that I say, WAKE UP CHRISTIANS AND REMEMBER THAT CHRIST IS ON HIS THRONE!