What now, Christians?

“Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).

What should Christians do now that Republicans will control the White House, the Senate, the House, and, soon enough, nominations and confirmations to the Supreme Court? God’s people will do what they would have done had Democrats remained in the White House or regained control of Congress: lobby our government to honor our Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of religion and of speech, serve as witnesses for Christ, and pray for the lost and for God’s mercy on this country.

Christians will continue to advocate for the unborn and oppose their destruction. Having a conservative government helps—we hope—to protect what we value. For instance, whether President-elect Donald J. Trump is a “true” conservative doesn’t matter as much as whether he cancels President Barack Obama’s executive order “advising” public schools to allow boys to enter girls’ restrooms and other private facilities. Will the Republican Congress and state legislatures ensure that a Christian business owner may turn away a potential customer who expects him to be complicit in the profaning of marriage and keep quiet?

The country is increasingly shameless and godless. Although no conservative-dominated leadership will change that, conservative leaders can protect the religious rights of people opposed to the perversion. Perhaps the election results will weaken the influence of political correctness, an inane doctrine liberals wield to shut down dissent and criticism. Maybe the results will embolden people to speak the truth—always with gentleness and respect—and not cower in fear of backlash from the side that wants them to just pay up and shut up.

We have to be vigilant, constantly, to protect our rights and to encourage decency.

This isn’t a time to grow apathetic. We have to be vigilant, constantly, to protect our rights and to encourage decency. Embroiled in yet another a contentious election, the country will endure at least four more years of bitter and belligerent political discourse. We might save more voiceless and vulnerable unborn babies and stop our money from going to the place that kills them. We could delay some of the cultural decay.

Who truly knows the hearts of kings? No matter who rules over us, we will say what the psalmist said:

“I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

What will God’s people do? Consistently and courageously share the good news of salvation. God’s kingdom grows through seasons of economic downturn and upturn. God is glorified through periods of persecution and freedom. He has forgiven people who not long ago cursed His name.

The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth that fornicators won’t enter the kingdom of heaven. Neither will idolaters, adulterers, sodomites, thieves, drunkards, or those who covet, revile, and extort.

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

What now, Christians? We have work to do.