And the Winner is . . .

The votes are cast, and it appears former President Donald Trump has again been elected—this time as the 47th President of the United States. At the time of publication, there are still a handful of states yet to be called, but it seems clear Trump has secured well more than the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency. It also appears a record number of votes have been cast, surpassing the nearly 160 million cast in the 2020 presidential election.

Meanwhile, Republicans have also taken majority control of the U.S. Senate and, while there are still too many races undecided to declare a majority in the U.S. House, Republicans appear poised to maintain control of that chamber, as well.

Analysis and eternal perspective: It is go time, fellow Jesus follower! No matter whether you are elated or alarmed or somewhere in-between about the election results, it is true: It is time for you and me to take up the mantle of the Gospel and to go into all the world and declare it. Yes, the time for this charge is always, but it is an important reminder for us the day after an election where we’ve heard repeatedly that the outcome will change everything, for better or for worse. Here is the truth you can stand on:

Your God is still on the throne (Ps. 47:8), and your mission is the same today as it was yesterday: Go and make disciples (Matt. 28:19)!

What a wonderful reality it is—if we will take hold of it—for Jesus followers to live from this certainty of purpose. So many believe (because they have been told as much) their mission changes today—either for better or for worse. You, while understanding that the quality of governments of men certainly ebb and flow, can go forward in confidence about your calling.

To be sure, you also have a civic mandate. It is perhaps best described in Jeremiah 29, when a people in exile were instructed to invest in their place of exile:

“Build houses . . . settle down . . . plant gardens . . . marry . . . have sons and daughters . . . find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage . . . increase in number . . . seek the peace and prosperity of the city” (Jer. 29:5-7). 

These were long-term investments. Why were the people called to make them, and why are you invited to do the same today? “Because if [the city] prospers, you too will prosper” (Jer. 29:7).

You have a civic role. You should be for your city and your community. You should be for it whether your presidential candidate won or lost, and you should go back to work on behalf of those living in your community regardless of the outcome of the election. Invest in the long-term wellbeing of your home in exile. Seek its peace and prosperity. It does truly matter.

But your call to carry the Good News into all the world matters most. It is what most directly impacts the health and wellbeing of those in your community. It is your main charge.

The presidential race has been called by most media outlets. But you did not need to wait for it to be called. You have already been called. Go and make disciples!

The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.