After the Midterms, What Have We Forgotten?

Yesterday, Americans went to the polls. Today, some are celebrating, some are disappointed, and many are wondering what comes next. I’ve been thinking about a question raised in a video I watched around Election Day: What have we forgotten about the country we’re asking our elected leaders to govern?

It’s easy to look at an election and blame the people who voted differently. It takes more honesty to ask whether we’re practicing the responsibilities that come with the freedoms we want our leaders to protect.

Freedom asks something of us

“We hold these truths to be self-evident.” Those words from the Declaration of Independence are familiar enough that we can say them without stopping to consider what follows. We are created equal. Our rights come from our Creator. And among those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

If I believe my rights come from God, I have to recognize the same dignity in my neighbor, including the one whose yard sign I passed on my way to vote. If I believe in the rule of law, I have to expect accountability from officials I supported, too. And if I want young people to value freedom, I have to take the time to teach them what it cost, how our Constitution protects it, and what they can do to carry it forward.

That’s one reason I love putting a pocket Constitution into the hands of an eighth grader. It gives us a chance to talk about what those words have to do with their life. A young person who learns how to speak at a public meeting, petition a representative, or listen carefully to someone they disagree with is already learning how to participate in our Republic.

Remember God when the election is over

I was struck by the video’s warning about how easily we turn to God when we need something and forget Him when life is going our way. I think that applies just as much the morning after an election as it does the night before. If I prayed about who would win, am I willing to pray just as earnestly for the person who actually did?

In 1 Timothy 2:1–2, Paul calls us to pray for those in authority. This week, that may mean praying by name for someone you hoped would lose. Ask God to give that person wisdom, humility, and courage. Then stay involved. You can pray for a leader on Sunday and call their office on Monday about a decision that affects your community. In fact, that is part of your stewardship and your duty as a citizen. After all, they are elected to represent your voice!

Elections can change who governs and what laws we live under. Changing a human heart is work only God can do. Daniel lived faithfully under rulers who did not share his faith. His example reminds us how much room there is to serve God and our neighbors under any administration.

Put the convictions you voted on to work

Think about one issue that mattered to you when you cast your ballot. What can you do about it close to home? If you care about education, attend a school board meeting or help a student learn how local government works. Volunteer to help us distribute Constitutions to 8th graders. If you care about the dignity of life, find out what a family in your community needs this week. If you care about religious liberty, use that freedom to worship openly and serve generously. Sign your church up for free resources, including an exact replica of The First American Bible and 917 Society Pocket Constitutions for church members.

I’m grateful we live in a country where we get to choose our leaders. And I’m asking God to help us give as much thought to how we live together after an election as we gave to how we voted in it.

The duty is ours. The results are God’s.

For free resources for school: www.917society.org

For free resources for churches: www.godandcountry.org