Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
-Ephesians 4:31-32

Never before, in the history of the United States, has a presidential election been so sensationalized and commercialized. It seems that there are more ways to receive information than in past years. Blogs, social networking, text messages, etc. We are relentlessly bombarded with information that seeks to convince and persuade us into doing, or not doing, various things.

Once we have internalized all of the information we have received, we make a decision and act.

But what happens when we cast our vote and our candidate loses? How do we respond? Specifically, how do we respond as Christians? Some Christians are conservative, some are liberal. Someone is going to become the President and some one else is not. That means that there are going to be some very dissapointed believers, out there, once this election is decided.

So how are we going to act if our candidate has to go home? Starting tomorrow, will we spend the next four years blaming all of our problems on the new President? Will we harbor resentment and hidden bitterness toward our bretheren on the opposite side of the political spectrum? Will we kick them out of our Bible studies and small groups? Will we blame the problems within the church on them?

These questions may sound silly, but they are worth thinking about. Regardless of the outcome of this election, we must remain strong in our commitment to operate as one body of believers, even if we didn't get our way.

Remember, we are, first and foremost, servants to a King who rules a Kingdom to which we are heirs. We are citizens of our country second. Many people may not like the way that sounds, but it is true. God and country; Yes...in that order.

So vote with all of your heart and mind. Make your decisions carefully and prayerfully. Take responsiblity for the gift of democratic election given to you. But, once the day has been decided, let's not allow bitterness and bad feelings affect our relationships with eachother. No, let's get back to the business of winning souls for the King, together, as one body...undivided. There is a great deal of work to be done.