Concerned citizens cast their ballots yesterday, and let their voices be heard, and America spoke. When the results came in during the wee hours of the morning it was clear: history had been made. Now that the confetti has fallen, the concession calls have been made, and the world can now put this historic election to bed, one question still remains:
Where does the church fit into this?
The church is and always will be the center for morality. While Trump may be a symbol of conservative values, the only way biblical values can be reinstated is if the church rises up, reclaims its voice and uses Trump’s win as an opportunity to bring the change we long to see.
Here are three reasons why the election of Donald Trump is good news for the church:
It will force Christians to unite– Trump said in his conciliatory speech that he hopes to unify a divided country and be the president for every person. As the church, we can be the hope for every person as well. Let’s change our tone from one of negativity to one of positivity. Let’s have compassion for those who may be disappointed with the result and be the example by showing each other the respect they deserve. We need to set the example, of the change we want to see, regardless of our political opinions.
It will force the church to pray– Mark 3:20-24 says, And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”
“James Watkins wrote this statement in his monthly newsletter: “And let’s remember, the church—not politics—is the only real hope of reforming the character of this nation and saving it from destruction. That’s why the witness of the church is simply not worth trading for a political victory.” This is the best time ever to be a part of the church body. But it takes us as Christians to reach across the aisles in our churches, forget our own biases and unify ourselves. Be a listening ear to those disappointed by this election to hear their concerns. Not only that, but we as the church can offer the solutions people need to feel good about America again.
It will force Christians to act- This is the time for the church to shine. There are more Christians than there are presidential candidates. There are more churches than there are Oval offices. If churches truly care about issues such as abortion, border security and the rights of small businesses, then they should do something about it. Churches should take the initiative to provide the counseling, education and monetary resources young women need to make an informed decision and choose an alternative other than abortion. Let churches pool their resources to create an insurance alternative other than Obamacare. It’s not right to say you are for an issue, yet do nothing about it.
I’d like to leave you with the words of my friend and fellow pastor’s wife Stephanie Conklin from Dorseyville Alliance Church near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania who I believe summed up the future of the church best when she said, “If we could take all of our passions about the issues today and not forget about them tomorrow, if we could be just as intentional with making a difference where we are as we are about getting out to vote, if we would speak out for truth and fairness beyond an election cycle, if we would give up some of our comfort so to comfort others, our children would know what it is to be an involved citizen.”
America has spoken. Trump is president. It is time to stand in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ and be the voice of love, hope and change America is crying out for.
That’s what will make America and the church great again.
Michelle S. Lazurek is an award-winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife and mother. She has been published over one hundred times in places such as Charisma Magazine, crosswalk.com and Christianity Today’s website Gifted For Leadership. She also teaches writers’ workshops for various places such as the Montrose Christian Writers conference. Hr newest book, An Invitation to the Table explores the biblical concept of hospitality. For more info, please visit her website at www.michellelazurek.com