Post-Election

The elections are over for another year. Whether or not your candidates won, there is one thing we can all be thankful for: all those “robocalls” and TV commercials will now stop for a while!

But now that the elections are over, there is something we are all now to do: pray. Pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4) – both those returning to office and those newly elected. Pray that God would grant them the wisdom and courage to govern in accordance with His Word and for the good of all people. And keep them in your prayers! Our officials do not have an easy job.

But what if you don’t like them!? What if you voted for someone who lost? That’s okay – you don’t have to like who got elected, but we are still subject to them, and we still owe them honor and respect because of the office they now hold (Romans 13:1, 7; Fourth Commandment). Also, Jesus told us to “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). If that is what we should do for our enemies, how much more should we pray for our leaders with whom we might disagree, but who are not our enemies! Just opponents in the political process.

Also remember that God will use these people to bless us. Maybe you will not agree with everything that do and say, but God uses believers and unbelievers alike to provide us with all that we need in this life – our daily bread, peace, health, safety, and more. Even hard times, persecution, and suffering (if they come) God can use for our good and benefit, to turn us to Him and strengthen our faith in Him.

So keep our leaders in your prayers. If you disagree with them, let your voice be heard. Speak up in love for the benefit and welfare of your neighbor, but always with all charity and respect.