No matter who wins the election on November 5, the following day will probably be very crazy considering recent threats to disrupt the election. So, with that in mind, let’s remember that our hope is ultimately found in Christ alone. Here are a few principles to maintain your witness no matter what happens on election day.

1.     Practice biblical submission to our government, unless they ask you to violate God’s Word.

Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that God has sovereignly established governments for our good so let’s pray for them and help establish policies that are helpful. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God…For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason… (Romans 13:1, 4a, NIV).

2.     Remember that God is in control.

No matter what the outcome of the election is, we must remember that God is still sovereign. As it says in the book of Daniel, He removes kings and sets up kings (2:21), and He has a reason for doing both. As we go through what will likely be a turbulent election, it is important that we remember to hold fast to our faith and trust that God has a plan for whatever the outcomes might be. God doesn’t make mistakes, and His will is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).

3.     If your candidate loses, respond with the character of Christ.

Jesus is our greatest model of how to respond in difficulty. Be careful about reacting with anger or critical remarks. Philippians 2:14 exhorts us to Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Peter challenges us to Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind (1 Peter 2:1). My prayer is that we will walk humbly, act redemptively and live in hope. We may be given an opportunity to love our “enemies” and pray for those who “persecute” us. Romans 12:14-21 is a wonderful example of how a Christian needs to respond should this situation occur.

4.     Stay focused on the primary mission of the church.

Politics is not the main assignment of the church. Evangelism is. Our mission is to use our energy and resources to take the gospel to our neighbors and to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19). The church is called to do good in such a way that the world sees our good deeds and glorifies our Father in heaven (Matthew. 5:16). We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). My prayer is that we will be joyful, gracious and loving; we will honor God, love our neighbors, serve our communities, pray for our leaders and look for opportunities to spread the Good News!