1. Recognize God’s Sovereignty. “He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars” (Daniel 2:21). This verse talks about the sovereignty of God. Sovereign simply means that God is in control and has ultimate authority to will and do as He pleases. Another way of thinking about it is that everything happens as God wills it to happen. He uses the course of world events to accomplish His purpose in the earth.
2. Remember the Mission. I am always amazed how we in the church forget what our primary mission is. “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’” (Mark 16:15). “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Let me sum it up like this: (1) Be salt and light; (2) Preach the gospel; (3) Make disciples; (4) Wait for power from the Holy Spirit so you can do the first three action items.
3. Be Humble Enough to Listen. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). The truth is there are many reasons why a person chose to vote the way they did. Coming to a place of unity means trying to understand someone else’s position. If there is going to be unity we must be willing to listen and understand without casting judgment.
4. Realize There Are Other Issues That Matter Too. What I am about to say may be shocking to some of you, but there are many moral issues to deal with in our society. I know abortion and marriage seem to get the most attention, but they are not the only ones. If we are going to be the church and really bring unity, we must recognize that as important as abortion and marriage are there are other issues that are just as important. This doesn’t mean we don’t fight for abortion or marriage; it means we do that while not neglecting the other issues.
5. Remember to Love Everyone Regardless of Political Views. “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27). “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (1 John 4:20).