Remembering Your Ministry, Post-Election

I wanted to share some quick thoughts for fellow Believers, following the 2024 election. These are just some things to keep in mind as you continue to connect with others.

Though I am passionate about my opinion, I don’t think it’s fair to question or assume a person’s salvation based on their vote. On the other hand, I also know that there are plenty of people who consider themselves “Christian” who may not truly be saved. So, to be clear: This post is not geared toward Republicans or Democrats. This post is for anyone who is a true follower of Christ and who understands their purpose as a Believer.

FIVE THOUGHTS TO HELP YOU REMEMBER YOUR MINISTRY

1. Lead with the Gospel. Always. What good is it to get someone to agree with you politically, or morally, if they ultimately remain unsaved? Your purpose as a Believer is to spread the Gospel of Jesus. So, if you’re going to be divisive, let it first be over the reality of Christ. Remember that: Salvation comes before sanctification.

Should you then veer into other topics, be sure to acknowledge where *your* understanding of God’s will begins + ends. Scripture tells us a lot, but some things remain a mystery. So remain humble and do your job: Share the Gospel. The Holy Spirit will convict each soul about what is truly good + righteous.

2. God’s been in control since the very beginning of time. So, naturally, that includes the last 4 years, and the 4 years before that. Through the tension, He’s shaken awake a lot of people; giving many of His children time to come to faith in Christ Jesus. What looks chaotic to you may be the very experience that saves somebody’s soul. If you are in Christ, thank God for all that He’s exposed and all that He’s thwarted.

3. God’s purpose is so grand. If your eyes are set on God’s Kingdom, you’ll see that nothing will ever overshadow His ministry. God has the ultimate authority. He uses those who are His children and even those who are not. Therefore, when it comes to our leaders, we can’t assume to know their salvation.

What we do know from Scripture is that: 1) God can exalt whomever; enabling them to do His will, powerfully. 2) Some leaders are granted favor, but simply choose to go their own way. And, of course: 3) Sometimes God completely hardens hearts.

Ultimately, Jesus is the only savior. Stay focused and keep your hope in Him so that you can remain discerning.

4. God can handle your feelings. It is completely OK to celebrate! It is completely OK to feel sad. But whatever you do, give it to God – both the praise, and the nerves. If you don’t, your emotions will work to simply feed your ego. An unchecked celebration may lead you to feel superior or self-righteous. Unchecked sadness may lead you to anger, an evil-tongue, anxiety or an overall lack of recognition of who is really in control. Give it all to God.

5. Remember who you’re representing. A true child of God will be known by their fruit. Are you being loving, kind, compassionate and empathetic? Are you showing up for your loved ones who may be upset? On the flipside, are you taking the time to understand your loved ones who are overjoyed? Are you loving your neighbor? Do you even care about your neighbor? Who are you supposed to be… and who are you being?

One of my friends texted our group a great verse from 2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NIV):

23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

The enemy would love nothing more than for us to give up our ministry and destroy our connections. The devil wants us to be overcome with pride. And pride shows itself in many, many forms. If you are for Jesus, stand for Jesus. Not in a way that is self-fulfilling; but in a way that is true to what He’s commanded: Love God. Love thy neighbor.

Here is a prayer for Believers, our country and our president: