Regarding the Christian's Response to the Election Results...

I must admit, I have been a bit discouraged by some of the response by Christians to the results of the election this past week. I see some clear lack of trust in what God has ordained, and some very poor attitudes toward those who don't know Christ in our nation. I suggest we turn inward a bit more and look within the church a bit for a healthy evaluation of why our nation's sinfulness is as prevalent and overt as it has become. In response to what I've seen expressed by Christians today (much distress, anger, and speculation of consequences of the election outcome), I submit the following perspective that I hope will encourage a more helpful and Biblical response:

First, addressing the lack of trust I've seen. Let us not forget to praise God that He is already on the throne, reigning and governing the nations as He pleases. As I posted on my Facebook last night before the election was over:

"Rest in the following two thoughts on this election day, God has a plan and purpose and is in control:

Daniel 2:21 - He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;

There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of Divine Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe troubles, they believe that Sovereignty hath ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all. - Charles Spurgeon"

Second, addressing the poor attitudes toward those who don't know Christ. Our country deserves every bit of what it gets in times to come unfortunately. The church is much to blame. We can't expect unbelievers to act any other way than they are; dead in their sins. And we need to actually hold those that claim to be Christians accountable to live out Biblical truth. The church needs to be cleansed of all the play actors, Christian in their claim and outward appearance only, so that it can truly be the salt and light for a nation desperately in need of the truth. 

Those who are true Christians need to be bold to call the church to believe a truly Biblical worldview so that the next generation of believers will actually live out their faith in all areas. As we see in the OT prophets, Israel was intended to be a light and positive influence on the nations around them and when they didn't live that out they were judged severely (captivity, the destruction of Jerusalem, the fall of the nation as a separate political entity, etc). We (the church) have failed on the whole in America to be God's witnesses, the salt has lost its savor, the light is being hidden, not by the darkness around us but by our being ashamed of it and covering it up. 

Let's pray that the church would become again what it is intended to be and quit pointing our fingers outward at those that "don't know their right hand from their left" (Jonah 4:11). When people are dead in sin and not born again into new life in Christ they will only act that out because it is their nature. And obviously that is the majority in our country at the moment. So often I think we pity the plant and not Ninevah, while at the same time complaining that animal rights seem to get more attention than human rights. And Jesus cries "Hypocrites!"

As Christ said, "In this world you will have many troubles. But fear not, I have overcome the world." Let us rest in Christ, examine ourselves, and get out there to be the salt and light we are called to be for the sake of the gospel's transforming work in people to the glory and praise of God!