I haven’t really blogged this entire election cycle. It’s certainly not because I am speechless – I spent more than a decade as a political consultant, helping elect candidates at the local, state, and federal level, and another five years after that as a lobbyist for a state agency. In fact, I now am an adjunct professor of Political Science at Corban University. No, I have plenty to say. But sometimes the better part of valor is keeping your mouth shut, which I did throughout the campaign.

However, now something must be said. As I watch our nation tear itself apart and become the most divided it’s been since the Civil War, Christians need to stand up and actually walk the walk not just talk the talk.

Here’s what I’m thinking. If more than 70 percent of Americans consider themselves Christians, you need to follow what scripture says. Let me just point out a few verses:

Romans 12:8 – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone

Matthew 5:43-45 – You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

Romans 13:1-2 – All of you must obey those who rule over you. There are no authorities except the ones God has chosen. Those who now rule have been chosen by God. 2 So whoever opposes the authorities opposes leaders whom God has appointed.

1 Peter 2:13-17 –  Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

I could find more, but you get the point.

As Christians, we must walk the walk not just talk the talk. I really don’t care who you voted for. Now that it’s over we must be the ones creating unity in our communities not because we agree or disagree with the election results, but because our King demands it of us.

I have been REALLY disturbed by the antics of so-called Christians on social media and in public. Do you really think that Jesus didn’t know the election results before the beginning of time and that He needs you protesting (or gloating) and spewing your opinions all over social media, being an embarrassment to the faith? If you really are a follower of Jesus Christ, your job is clear: Obey the authorities, create peace, pray for your leaders even if you disagree with them, and shine Christ’s light everywhere you go.

Each year our church participates in the National Day of Prayer. For the past eight years, we’ve prayed for President Obama, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet and Supreme Court. We’ve prayed for their success, health, families, and that they know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Now that Donald Trump has been elected President, we will do the same for him and his team.

All of us, me included, have very strong feelings about politics in America. However, as Christians we are first and foremost ambassadors of Jesus Christ and our main job is to show our neighbors, our communities, our state, and our nation what Jesus looks like through our thoughts, words, and actions. It’s time for Christians to start healing the wounds of division in our nation by truly being that ambassador. Christians must be the solutions not part of the problem. We are called to more than that.

Last thought: Please remember that when you get in front of Jesus when you die, chances are good He’s not going to ask you which party you belonged to or who you voted for. He is going to ask you how you used your gifts to love others and sow peace. These are eternal issues so please don’t get so caught up in the worldly affairs of man that you take your eye off the prize of heaven where our true citizenship rests and our King already sits on his throne.