7 Election Reflections

Unscripted Political Talk

On Nov. 8th 2016, America elected Donald J. Trump to the office of the Presidency in the most divisive, negative, and surprising election in U.S. history. I have some thoughts...

1. The Lord sits on the throne in ultimate sovereignty (Psalm 48, Isaiah 40, Revelation 4, etc.).

2. Submit to rulers and governing authorities, be obedient, be ready for every good work (Romans 13, Titus 3, etc.).

3. Submission is not blind and we do not have to adopt the sinful attitudes of leaders or obey sinful commands (Acts 5:27-32). Speaking truth to power is right.

4. How we stand up for our convictions demonstrates earnestness and determines effectiveness. Speak evil of no one, be gentle, show perfect courtesy toward all people, avoid foolish controversies and quarrels about the law (Titus 3).

5. We don't know what tomorrow will bring and to think so is arrogance, so let's take reality a day at a time and do the good we can in each day (Matthew 6:25-34, James 4:13-17).

6. Evangelicals need to reflect on (a) the role we played in this election and (b) recognize and respond to the effects of our support.

6a. Evangelicals have overwhelmingly (over 80%) supported a foolish, wicked, and unrepentant man, which is wrong, and justified it in the name of good, with a "lesser-of-two-evils" philosophy, which is also un-Biblical (Proverbs 17:15, Romans 3:5-8, 1st Thessalonians 5:19-22, James 4:13-17). We as a community need to earnestly reflect on and talk about why most of us supported a man who bragged about sexual assault and adopted language of hate. In the name of what did we do so? What does Scripture say?

6b. My social networks are filled with friends afraid about what this election means for them and their loved ones. Whether you think their worry is justified or not, it's very real. And now we have to figure out how to reach them for Christ when many of them now see the Church as losing moral credibility in its witness. If you voted for Trump, now is not the time to boast, but to listen and learn, to befriend and empathize, to comfort and seek peace & harmony (Romans 12:15-18).

7. Pray 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 (1 Timothy 2:1-2).