“The most stunning political upset in American history.” That’s how ABC News commentator George Stephanopoulos described Donald Trump’s victory in last night’s election. Mr. Trump shocked the world by winning the White House as Republicans maintained control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Early this morning I watched history being made as the president-elect accepted his decisive victory with a speech that was gracious and positive. In coming days, we will explore the meaning of his election for our culture. For now, let’s remember that Christians are called to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2) and to support them (Romans 13:1). Such intercession for our incoming leadership begins today.
Many Christians are asking what else we should do. To address this question, I’ve written an in-depth essay: Where do we go from here? The 2016 election and our future. The paper explores issues affected by Mr. Trump’s election, including religious liberty, the Supreme Court, and abortion. It also outlines biblical ways Christians can trust the sovereignty of God and act as salt and light in our nation. I hope you’ll download the paper here.
This is a day for renewed commitment to our Lord and our country. To that end, I’d like to share with you a declaration I hope you’ll make.
Dr. Claude Alexander is senior pastor of The Park Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. It has been my privilege to work with him as part of the global Movement Day family. Yesterday he composed a statement that fifty-nine ministry leaders across the nation have affirmed, myself included. Among our group are the president and CEO of Christianity Today, the president of the National Association of Evangelicals, and leaders of some of America’s largest churches and ministries.
Here is our declaration:
“Having a common commitment to our Christian Faith, as well as a shared love for our country, we, the undersigned recognizing the deeply divisive nature of this election cycle, seek the beginning of the healing of our nation. Above our Democratic, Republican, and Independent political affiliations, we are believers in Christ’s call to be honorable citizens and peacemakers, who seek the prosperity of our nation. We affirm that the Constitution, which guarantees our religious freedoms, allows us to have differing beliefs and opinions, and is the document that maintains the unity and civility of our nation.
“We are grateful for the democracy in which we live. Once again, our nation endeavors to elect our next president through the democratic process. We affirm the legitimacy of the process, and therefore, call for the nation to unite around the election of the new President in recognition, acceptance, and support of the same.
“We further call on the Congress of the United States, as a body of elected officials, to do their job, which is to represent the interests of the people of the United States. We collectively believe it is time to put partisan politics aside and end the toxic gridlock. It is time for men and women of goodwill to work together towards finding solutions to the many challenges that confront the American people.
“We commit ourselves to pray God’s granting of wisdom to the incoming President, the Congress, and the Courts, as well as to hold both elected branches of government accountable to the promises they made, to lead and work on behalf of all of the citizens of this great nation.”
Will you join us? The world is shocked today at the election of Donald Trump, but the Lord is calling his people to respond with faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
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