In the wake of the current election, the importance of reacting in ways that point to the presence of salvation through Jesus is my dominant thought. Temptation to give into emotions that originate in the flesh is always the first impulse in worldly circumstance. For many rejoicing in a earthly victory will be that impulse. Some will be overcome with anger and embarrassment during this time. Believers will be present in both of these situations. Like in everything, one must be in constant connection to the Lord’s guidance in His word and through constant prayer. As we react, seeking to celebrate life in Christ and not over emphasizing the worldly victory, will reveal what is most important. This is keeping Christ’s victory on the cross as the most important victory in your life and all of life since creation of the world.
Opportunities to share the life we have in Christ are always present and especially during elections. No matter the place of support for earthly leaders, the source of confidence is in the saving knowledge of Jesus as Savior. By being firmly established in this truth, believers are able to take the opportunity to share Jesus in your reactions. These opportunities come from conversations that stem from the rejoicing and weeping of those we come in contact with. Every moment and circumstance is an opportunity to serve the Lord and reveal the truth of God’s word. Fleshly emotions and misplaced devotion always ruin the believer’s chance to be obedient. Removal of the idol worship placed on political leaders is essential for God to truly use you as His instrument of righteousness. Resisting temptation will and has always been impossible without connection to the Lord’s voice above all other voices. People of God take the opportunity to allow the Spirit to guide you in influencing the world for Him. Through constant seeking of His will, we can be ready to respond to this world with things of eternal value!
Suggested Passages:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:9-21
“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” -Jeremiah 9:23-24
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” -Romans 6:12-14
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