As the U.S. elections begin, we have a responsibility to know the candidates, what they stand for and support, and then prayerfully decide for whom the Lord would have us to cast our vote.

At the same time, whoever walks into the White House or other governmental positions, it will not be because we the people put them there, but because God put them there. Romans 13:1 tells us, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

What a comfort to know that the God who is in control, who knows the beginning from the end, is Commander in Chief. He is not on the throne of the United States, but on the throne of the universe – and He will be during the U.S. elections and long after the last election in history takes place.

However, in addition to God’s sovereignty, we have a role to play.

Our first priority is of course to exercise our right to vote. But we must also remember our role after the election is over. So, regardless of who wins, what is our responsibility?

Here are five things to consider in our role after the 2020 election season.

We need to take care not to “resist the ordinance of God.”

Romans 13:2 explains, “Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” We may wish for different results from the elections or desire to do things differently if we were in a candidates shoes. But as long as they are not doing things contrary to Scripture, they need our support, not our sarcasm. Titus 3:1-2 even says, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”

We need to pray for political decisions.

I Timothy 2:1-2 reminds us, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Even if I am distressed with something about them, shouldn’t I be talking to God first? He has more control over them and those around them than anyone else does!

We need to pray for politicians’ salvation.

I Timothy 2 continues, “Who desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (vs 4) As we pray for them, what is foremost on God’s mind ought to be foremost on ours – their salvation. There is no greater need anyone has, including our elected officials, than for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

We need to advance the gospel.

Regardless of which candidates are elected, the Great Commission doesn’t change. It overrides all elections. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) In fact, Romans 13 which I quoted, continues by saying,
“Owe no one anything except to love one another.” (Vs. 8) What better way to love those elected, than to love them to Jesus, by sharing the gospel with them wherever and whenever possible or praying for someone who will. What difference does it make if people are registered as Republican, Democrat, or Independent, if their name is not registered in the Lamb’s Book of Life? (Revelation 20:12)

We need to live the Christian life before everyone.

When the world is at its darkest, Christians need to be at their brightest. Once more Romans 13, which is the chapter that talks about our responsibility to governmental leaders continues, “Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Vss. 13-14) What better way to impress the people of this kingdom than to show them that we part of another – His eternal kingdom.

What a comfort to know whatever happens on November 3, God is in control. He is in the driver’s seat, not the back seat. We can relax because through Jesus Christ we are personally related to the Architect of the Universe. Nothing takes Him by surprise because He is the Director, not the directed. With the comfort we experience knowing He is sovereign, we can go about His business, doing and being the people He wants us to be in an hour when our life and testimony is so sorely needed.