Here in the United States our Presidential election shocked many people. It has seemed to cause confusion and fear in those whose choice did not win. Those who did vote for President-elect Trump are also a little shocked that he actually pulled it off.
But the point of this post is not to discuss politics, rather to give suggestions for how Christian parents can respond when their nominee for any position in authority, no matter which party, does not win.
1.Rights Do Not Always Mean You Get What You Want
You have the right to vote in the United States, just because you have the right does NOT mean that your candidate will win. Just as your children have the right to ask you for things, this does not mean that they will be receiving what they asked for. When your child does not get their way you most likely do not allow them to pitch a fit, moan and groan, etc about life. You expect them to accept your answer and to move on with their lives. This is the first thing that you need to remind your child. No where else in life is it acceptable to riot, loot, promote violence, etc because you do not get your own way, do not allow it to become acceptable now.
What do we tell our children when our candidate loses? As Christian parents how do we respond? Let's teach our children to respect those in authority. Click To Tweet
2. Teach Your Children to Respect Those in Authority Over Them
Some will say that respect should be earned, and I do believe that is true, if you cannot respect the person that won the presidential election teach your children to respect the office that the candidate has won. You may not believe that the candidate has any qualities that you can tell your children about, and if that is the case than you can say something like what Payton from A Hopeful Happenstance is telling her children:
“Dear children, God is sovereign. I don’t support much of Trump’s behavior and I do not admire his character. However, he was chosen. He was chosen by the people and I believe he was chosen by God, whatever the reason I think time will tell. While I don’t admire or support his character I do, now, support him as President Elect and hope and pray that he succeeds.”
Romans 13 New Living Translation (NLT)
Respect for Authority
13 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
Love Fulfills God’s Requirements
8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
3. Help Your Children to Show Love to ALL.
Those who may be celebrating their candidate’s election, those who are nervous about what the election may mean,teach your children to be an example of graceful losing. Be an example of grace filled loving to others. Live decently, don’t participate in wild demonstrations, or riots, quarreling with those who voted in a different manner than you. Clothe yourself with Jesus. Put on His characters.
4. Tell Your Children to Pray, and then Pray Some More.
We are commanded in scripture to pray {1 Thessalonians 5:17}, to be persistent in prayer {Luke 18:1-8}, to pray for those in authority {1 Timothy 2}. If you do not feel that there is anything honorable about the president-elect then pray that the person in office would start to exhibit behavior more fitting for one in such a high position. Pray that there would be those around this person that can be an example to them. Pray that the candidate would realize that previous life choices must be left behind as they seek to lead our great country.
How to Act When Your Candidate Wins
Treat others the same way that you would like to be treated. Treat your friends who may have opposing views the same way you should always be treating them. With love, kindness, respect, be Jesus’ hands and feet.
What other mommas are telling their children:
“”What should you tell your children about this? The same things you should have told them anyways. People do wrong things in this world no matter where you go and no matter of who is in control. As parents, we are responsible for teaching our children about right and wrong. We also need to teach them to stand up for right, no matter the consequences.” Lauren from The Chaotic Life of Lauren
This post shares how Jen from Heaven not Harvard is living out to her child what it means to be gracious to others after a divisive and hurtful election.
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