What If Harris Had Won?

Living overseas provides an interesting perspective about many things, including politics in the USA. I’ve been following closely the recent elections and I’ve noticed two diametrically opposing reactions. This has been acutely evident on my Facebook feed and, also, in the various (and often opposing) news feeds I follow.

On the one hand, some say the results of the election will lead to the end of democracy…or similar draconian hysteria.

Really?

On the other hand, people imply that the results will essentially usher in the millennium…or similar euphoric rhetoric.

Really?

I was noodling about this and it occurs to me that a helpful question for Christ-followers on both sides of the aisle is this: What if Harris had won? Another way to frame the question is this: How would a Harris’ victory have changed my responsibilities as a Jesus-follower? Would anything be different in terms of my personal response as a Jesus-follower?

This is what I see in Scripture. For those of us who choose to bow to Jesus and use the Bible as our guide, these are the truths that should inform our actions and reactions regardless of whether we vote red or blue.

We are to pray for those in authority. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

I have lived long enough to remember President Johnson saying he would not seek election. “If nominated, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve.” I remember when President Nixon resigned, when Gerald Ford took office, when a peanut farmer from Georgia named Jimmy Carter swept into office, Reagan’s landslide re-election for his second term, followed by the first Bush, then the two terms with Bill Clinton, and then two terms by the second Bush and Obama and Biden.

Throughout all these presidencies, my responsibility as a Jesus-follower has never changed. I am to pray for my leaders, regardless if I voted for them or not and regardless if I “like” them or not. This is especially true when (for whatever reason) I personally dislike the one in authority. Why? Because prayer changes me! It helps me to become more like Jesus who said from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

So, rather than wring your hands in disdain if you dislike Trump, pray for him. And, if you voted for Trump, rather than fist-bumping in jubilation, pray for him. I think this season we should be on our knees more than ever in prayer!

We are to honor those in authority. “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17)

It’s helpful to keep in mind that Peter wrote this while Caesar was ruling. Caesar was cruel and wicked. Nevertheless, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter urges Christians to honor the emperor. The same is true today. You may personally abhor Donald Trump. But if you claim to follow Jesus, you are called to honor him as our new president.

I remember when it was fashionable in some Christian circles to ridicule President Clinton. That was sin. God calls us to honor our leaders, not mock them. That does not mean we agree with their personal lives or with their policies. But it does mean that we do not speak about them disparagingly.

We are to keep our primary focus on Jesus. “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The United States of America is not the kingdom of God. First and foremost, as Christ followers, we are to love and serve King Jesus. We are to build his kingdom. We are to seek him first and his righteousness.

This means if we are spending more time with CNN than with Jesus, then we are off-base. This means if we are watching FOX news more than connecting with Jesus, then our priorities are messed up. Regardless if we vote red or blue, regardless if we voted for Harris or for Trump, if we are Christ followers, we are to keep our primary focus on Jesus.