Post-election, we encounter all forms of commentary from all sides of the political spectrum. People whose favorite candidate(s) lost have voiced their shock, let-down, and feelings of being overwhelmed with disappointment.
Many people know the joy of their candidate(s) winning. Voters of winners readily say, “It’s like the dawning of a new day. I feel hope-filled again! Perhaps now things will be truly fixed.”
If you are among those relishing your party or candidates winning—and many of us are—what do healthy, helpful, productive postures look like? What should we do—and not do—in our interactions? What sets us up for truly good, ongoing influence?
Let’s ponder, cultivate, and engender these dos and don’ts for election winners and their excited supporters.
Do Rejoice & Celebrate
When your side has won a hard-fought, well-run race, it’s deeply good to appropriately jubilate. By all means, join in with others in joyous celebration. Bask in the glow and anticipate the wonderful potential of good progress and better days. God wired us for such hope toward a flourishing future.
Don’t Gloat
Resist your internal compulsion to brag and otherwise bluster about the win, especially in the presence of other parties’ “losers.” Gloating is arrogant, unbecoming, and a poor reflection of Christ’s selfless attitude (Prov. 24:17-18; Obad. 1:12-13; Phil. 2:3-4 ESV).
Do Focus on Christ’s Kingdom
Government and tandem politics are solid realms where Christians can bring their faith to bear for common good in our world. Believers do well to recall that we are aiming to work for the true kingdom. All our work should be done for King Jesus’ domain, not the temporal, worldly trappings of success, greed, and human glory.
Don’t Forget Our Higher Purpose: An Others-Oriented Aim
Those elected to political office are public servants. In The Integrated Life, Ken Eldred reminds us that in all arenas of work, our true aim is to serve others to the glory of God. Christ made his own posture very clear. His followers discover true greatness in serving, not lording it over others (Matt. 20:24-26 ESV).
Many are tempted to say, “Oh, that’s good for Sunday school, but not in the rough and tumble of government.” Actually, for devoted Christ-followers, his values and principles apply just as equally in the halls of executive, legislative, and judicial power as they do inside church walls.
Believing and living in a holistic way is at the core of embodying a truly integrated life.
Don’t Fall Prey to the Addictive High of Political Power
Certainly, there is a time for reveling in victory, but we must be vigilant. Winning an election can feel intoxicating. Don’t be so overly swept up in the euphoria that you lose sight of the bigger purposes and important work to be done.
Too often, Christ-followers have been commandeered for corrupt causes. From the left, from the right, and from all the forces in between, Christians can be duped and played for evil purposes.
Recall the wise warnings and directional focus of ancient truths like those found in Psalm 12 (ESV). Let’s keep speaking truth. Let’s keep crafting strong economic policies and approaches based on noble ethics. Let’s keep helping the needy, mending what’s broken, protecting the helpless, standing with parents and the yet-to-be-born. Let’s keep doing what is true, just, right, and life-giving.
Do Commit to Positive Prayer for All Leaders
Whether they are on the red side, the blue side, more purple-ish, or whatever party, we are to pray for all leaders. Especially pray for the ones you don’t really like or with whom you struggle to align with (1 Tim. 2:1-2 ESV).
Don’t Lose Your Saltiness & Light
Refuse to take part in watercooler negativity and slam-bam posts on social media. No one wins when we slander, backbite, or otherwise engage in corrupt communication (Eph. 4:29 ESV).
Remember your true kingdom aim. You want to work hard, lead well, and bless others in such a meaningful way that you lead your coworkers to know and trust Jesus.
In Christians, Politics, and the Cross, Erwin Lutzer clarifies:
Our responsibility is not to show the world that we can win playing its own political game. It is not to prove to the world that we can shout as loudly as they can when our rights are violated. It is not our responsibility to warn them that they had better follow our morality because we will soon be “taking our country back.” We have a message that must be heard above the din of political posturing and rancor. We have an agenda that is even more important than saving the United States, it is holding the cross high so that God might be pleased to save Americans.
You are not out to win every political battle or power grab. Instead, you are in your role to work hard, serve well, lead strong, and win others to Jesus through the true power of the gospel.
Do Hold Leaders Accountable
A big win from any candidate(s) or party does not grant carte blanche freedom and power to do whatever seems good in their own eyes (Jdgs. 21:25 ESV). Across well-crafted societal frameworks, we work within appointed systems of accountability, checks, and balances. In weeks and months to come, we must wisely safeguard our mutual accountability for the greater good.
Do Good Work, Like Christ
There is a pithy statement on Peter’s lips in Acts 10:38 (ESV). The Apostle said of Christ, “He went about doing good . . .” What a summation! Headed into a new season with new leaders, may it be said of you and me every day: “They went about doing good.”
Sadly, trust in leadership has been downgraded to an all-time low. Let’s redouble our efforts to tell the truth, work from a framework of integrity, and thereby rebuild trust.
Post-election, let’s refocus our hearts and actions to love well and lead well—to be more like Jesus in every endeavor.
