A Pastor’s Ponderings: Our Hope Beyond Elections

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Pastor Doug “Doc” StaufferBy Pastor Doug “Doc” Stauffer

As this reaches you, another very contentious election has passed, and the results are now known. For some, it is a time of celebration, as the outcomes they supported have proved victorious. The future seems less certain for others who had hoped for different outcomes. As believers, we are called to rise above the emotions that accompany earthly victories and defeats. We must be cautious not to place too much hope in earthly beings.

Psalm 118:8-9 reminds us, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” Earthly leaders may influence laws and policies but cannot touch the eternal matters of the heart or offer salvation. While it is natural for emotions to run high, it is essential to remember that our ultimate allegiance is not to a party or a political figure but to the King eternal (1 Timothy 1:17).

Our True Hope is in Christ

No matter who leads our country, human leaders are fallible. They can do good, but are also prone to failure. God alone is infallible. Whether in victory or defeat, our hearts must remain fixed on Him, for His authority surpasses all earthly powers.

Revelation 11:15 declares, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” This is the future toward which all history is moving. It is a future not dictated by the results of any election but by God’s eternal purpose and plan. Our earthly responsibilities matter, but they must always be viewed through the lens of our heavenly calling.

Looking for His Return

The outcome of this election has not altered the primary mission of believers. While we should engage with our culture and contribute to the betterment of our society, we must never lose sight of our greatest calling: to expectantly watch and wait for Christ’s return. The urgency of this call remains unchanged, no matter who holds political office.

Hebrews 10:37 reminds us, “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” The return of Christ is the event toward which all creation is moving. It is the great hope of every believer, the ultimate culmination of this life. We must not allow this world’s distractions— political victories or defeats—to shift our focus from this blessed hope.

Hope and Action

Despite the political and cultural shifts, the mandate for believers remains unchanged: We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These are the greatest commandments that transcend any political platform or government agenda.

Our faith compels us to act like Christ—not in triumph over those who may disagree with us but in humility and service. We must live our faith boldly, not merely in words but in deeds, showing the love of Christ to those around us, especially in these divisive times. The Gospel message is the same regardless of who sits in the highest earthly offices: Christ died for sinners, rose again, and offers salvation to all who call upon His name.

A Hopeful Reminder

Remember that, as believers, we are not to be shaken by the changes in this world. Our foundation is not in political victories or defeats but God’s unchanging character. He is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Redeemer. We can trust His perfect plan, even when the world grows more uncertain.

Titus 2:13 encourages us to be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” That hope remains steadfast, regardless of who leads our nation. Christ is coming again, and we are to live in readiness, serving Him faithfully until that glorious day.

In this post-election season, whether you find yourself rejoicing or feeling disheartened, take comfort in knowing that God is still on the throne and prayer changes things. His ultimate victory will prevail, and He works all things together for good for those who love Him. Therefore, let us be people who pray for our leaders, seek our communities’ welfare, and shine Christ’s light in a world that needs His hope now more than ever.