The election cycle has ended. Candidates have been selected, and most of the signs have been taken down. Now what? Should Christians slide back into our pre-election lives? Should we gloat or pout, depending on how our candidate did?
I’d like to suggest that we not do this. In fact, I think these next weeks can provide unique opportunities for evangelism and meaningful ministry. Let’s not miss this missional moment.
LISTEN WITH A COMPASSIONATE EAR
If there is one thing this most recent election cycle has exposed, it is the fact that many people around us are hurting and afraid. It doesn’t matter whether someone voted Democrat or Republican; there is a great chance that the events of the recent months have been unsettling. If we listen with a compassionate ear, chances are we will hear hints of brokenness or hopes of blessing. There is a cry for a better country and a brighter future. Rather than feeling a need to defend a politician or party, this may very well be a moment for us to talk about the genuine hope we have in Jesus.
Think about meaningful conversations you have had in the past several months, conversations beyond a passing “How are you?” I’ll bet those talks involved one of two things: these were moments when you either talked about blessings or brokenness.
Whether we are talking to neighbors, co-workers or church friends, when we share about things we hope for, dream about, or delight in, or if we talk about times of hurt, fear, frustration or pain, these become moments for deepening relationships. Inside these moments of blessing and brokenness, the good news of Jesus is most needed.
INVITATIONS FOR GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS
We rarely have to force people to talk about things that excite them. It isn’t a burden or imposition when someone talks about their family, hobbies, or other interests. The same is true about areas of fear, dread or concern. Each of these conversations can be invitations for gospel conversations.
Keep these topics in mind:
1. We live in a broken world that is governed by broken people.
2. We have hope because of the promises of God, not the promises of people.
3. The mission and plan of God cannot be derailed by the decisions of people.
4. Many around us are experiencing the reality of Jesus’ parable about lives built on the sand (Matt. 7:24–27).
5. The heart cry of hurting people is a search for a loving God.
Consider the words of Jonah: “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and one who relents from sending disaster” (Jonah 4:2b).
In the coming days, our challenge is to remember that we are citizens of a greater kingdom. Our King has placed us here as his ambassadors. He is making his appeal through us, “Be reconciled to God.”
Read more from D. Scott Hildreth »
This article originally appeared on LifeWayVoices.com and is reposted here by permission.