With Donald Trump's victory in the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election, many are left confused on how to respond to it. Christians, however, don't need to be confused about it – the Bible tells us exactly what to do.
Whether you're a Trump-supporter or a never-Trumper, the fact remains that Trump was elected, and that if you're a Christian you are called to a higher level of standards in your character. Regardless of the winner, we are expected to show Christ-likeness anyway.
Here are some ways a Christian should respond to Trump's victory.
1. Pray for His Salvation and Safety (1 Timothy 2:2-4)
Christians are called to pray for every person in authority, even if they don't like the person. Actually, it's not about who the newly elected leader is. It's about God's will being done on earth.
Christians are called to pray for the leader's salvation and safety. Pray for Trump to be truly saved and grow deep in his relationship with God in Christ.
2. Pray for Godly Counsel to Surround Him (Psalm 1:1-2, 37:30-31)
Again, whoever the president is, every Christian should pray that godly counsel will be what will surround him. This is to ensure that he won't be listening to wrong counsel, and be able to make wise decisions that would please God and secure the nation.
3. Pray That He Would Establish His Presidency on Righteousness, Justice, and Truth (Psalm 89:14)
The Bible tells us that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne, and it would be best for our human leaders to follow suit.
Pray for Trump to work on righteousness, justice and truth. Ask God to help Trump rule in godliness.
4. Don't Commit Sin (Romans 13:14; James 4:7)
Regardless of our support for or against Trump, we as Christians should be mindful of our selves. It's because we could sin if we aren't.
Those against Trump might make the wrong move by going against authority, even if he doesn't do what is against God. This is called rebellion.
Those who support Trump without godly wisdom might end up closing their eyes to the wrong things that he could do. I'm not saying Trump is good or wicked. What I'm saying is that we should be careful not to idolise him.
5. Submit to God's Authority (Matthew 22:37; Acts 4:19, 5:29)
God is higher than any other human authority set in place, and thus as Christians our first priority here is to submit to God first, then to human authority.
The Bible tells us to submit to human authority. However, when the human leader commands the people to do what is contrary to what God wants, then the Christian must submit to God first. It's always God first, then human authority next.
