Over two years of fighting between political parties and special interest groups ended abruptly with an election.  But will the fighting stop?  Here's some ideas on how Christians should behave, regardless of who you chose to support this time.

 

1.  Comfort your children.  Much of the discussion amongst Christians has included worst-case scenario conversations, some of which may trouble young people, even teenagers.  Christians should take a few moments to remind their children (a) God is in control; (b) our form of government provides considerable opportunity for us to prevent extreme or worst-case scenarios from occuring; and (c) worst-case scenarios rarely occur.  It's important they see you settling into the new reality so they can do so, too.

 

2.  Immediately begin to pray for President-elect Obama and the new leaders, per these Biblical passages:

 

I Timothy 2:1-2: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyoneâ?" for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

 

Romans 13:1:  Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

 

Proverbs 21:1: The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

 

3.  If you haven't been doing so, begin to pray for President Bush, and the present leaders; and continue to pray for him through the transition.

 

4.  Ratchet down the rhetoric, from both sides.  How we defend what is right is as important as the fact that we do.  Choose carefully the words we use and who we listen to, on talk radio, television, the Internet and other media, knowing that what we hear impacts us at our core. 

 

Philippians 4:8:  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableâ?"if anything is excellent or praiseworthyâ?"think about such things.

 

5.  Acknowledge prayer as the ultimate political action:

 

II Chronicles 7:14-15:  If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.