The 2024 elections are now over and, depending on one’s political persuasion, the future for America is going to be spectacular, bordering on paradise, or America is doomed and life is pretty much over. Neither is probably the case. However, the question for followers of Jesus Christ is what we intend to do now. The results of this election seem to reinforce our freedoms of speech and religion and will probably stop some unsettling trends of the past few years. And the church can be very thankful for that. But what are believers to do now? To answer this, we have inspired insights from the Apostle Paul who knew a lot about governments of this world. In our last “musings” we made mention of 1 Timothy 2, and it helpfully gives us directions on the path we are now to follow. It reads:
“First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made 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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be save to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:1-4, ESV)
The Priority of Prayer. The Apostle Paul appealed to the church to make public prayer a priority when they gathered. He saw it is a priestly duty of the church to pray for this world and particularly for those in the place of leadership authority in their nation. Paul wrote during that time when Emperor Nero’s hatred for Christians was growing and Paul was very aware that government could make life hard for believers. If praying for rulers was basically useless, then we can be sure that Paul would not have given this word of exhortation. During the past few months, there were many churches in our nation, along with millions of believers, that prayed diligently for God’s hand to be in the 2024 elections. And we rightly believe that God answered these prayers. Paul understood that government plays a significant role in how believers live, and this includes impacting their spiritual lives.
The Consequences of Our Praying. So, what should we do now? Some key words are found in 1 Timothy 2 which assist believers in living post-election 2024. Paul shares some of the results that can and might come when these believing prayers are answered.
- TRANQUIL—This word emphasizes a quiet within that comes about because of the absence of outside pressures and disturbances. If there is peace in the culture, then there will be greater peace for the Church also. In this context, it is pressure that comes from government rulers that is in view.
- QUIET LIFE—This word is almost synonymous with “tranquil,” but emphasizes a little more an inward rest or peace. A follower of Christ with such inner peace becomes a wonderful example to the unsaved of the peace of Christ that comes when one believes the gospel and has all sins forgiven and guilt removed. No matter what the political persuasion of a person, the need is the same for peace with God and the peace of God.
- GODLINESS—A believer is to order his/her life in a way where there is a proper reverence for God. If, in fact, we are being given a time of respite from oppressive government activities, then we must make sure that our attitudes and conduct increasingly align with God’s standards as revealed in His Word. As Peter reminds us all that we are to be holy because our Father is holy (1 Pet. 1:16). This should be a priority in each of our lives in this post-election time. When believers (especially high-profile ones) live sinfully, their testimony is effectively neutralized.
- DIGNITY—Whereas godliness focuses on our life before God, “dignity” focuses on that quality of life which brings a respect from people. To give a greater credibility to the gospel we proclaim. For example, we need to keep a close watch on our speech, letting no unwholesome words come out of our mouth but just things that build others up (Eph. 4:29). We need to do our best to shed those behaviors that characterized our lives as unbelievers and “put on Christ.” For the ones possessing the life of God Himself, we need to live honorably before the world. Read Paul’s inspired, practical discussion of this in Ephesians 4:17-28. As noted, such as life gives great credibility to our witnessing.
- ALL TO BE SAVED—It is God’s desire that all people come to saving faith in Jesus Christ, and we are the ones chosen to spread the “good news.” God allows people to make their own choice on the matter of receiving His eternal life, so Paul is not teaching some kind of universalism. But clearly, one reason for seasons of peace is that the gospel will have fewer government barriers set up to hinder its spread. If we are entering such a period, then we are in step with the Lord if we take advantage of this time to be looking for, and using, witnessing opportunities. There is no question that sharing the gospel is God’s will for us.
The Need to Use Present Opportunities. It was the Apostle Paul who exhorted believers in Ephesus to make “the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 4:16). We, of course, do not know what the next days will bring to us and to America. But assuming for the moment that there will be a degree of peace and tranquility for believers, each of us might consider putting together a “bucket list.” Normally our “bucket lists” include places we want to go, or experiences we want to have, or even things we want to purchase. Such a “bucket list” is not wrong or evil, though frankly materialism and hedonism are an ever-present danger for us. (A past study of people in North America who claimed to be “born again” revealed that upwards of 85% of them were “ensnared” by materialism and/or hedonism). The “bucket list” that we should consider constructing would be one directly related to our service of the Lord Jesus in the evil days that we live in. It might include looking for new and expanded ways to use our resources; deeper involvement in our church’s life; a more purposeful reaching out to unsaved folks; re-ordering of the ways we use our time; perhaps even developing a more discipline life of Bible study and prayer. The Holy Spirit would likely love partnering with us in putting such a list together.
Whatever will take place in the post-election days and months, the exhortation to make “the most of our time, because the days are evil” remains in place. And perhaps, in the midst of the “evil days” this is a brief moment of peace so that the gospel will have fewer barriers to get past. We must not squander such valuable moments.