Well November 8th has come and gone, and now November 9th shows the crazy aftermath that follows any and every presidential election. Some are ecstatic, some are fearful, and others are indifferent. Our news feeds are on fire with responses from this election. I honestly am very appreciative of my few Facebook friends who post humorous photos or just talk about something that isn't the election. Given that I don't want to be "that person" that posts a long paragraph on my news feed, it is ironic that I feel compelled to write this article.

I plan on directing this article to my brothers and sisters in Christ, but I hope that even if you do not fall into that category you can take something away from this article.

First off, as Christians, we may not realize this, but we are watched to see how we react to the election results. Not just by God, but by others around us. This election was a difficult decision for a lot of us because neither candidate was known to be very religious. If they do view themselves as Christians, they just are not as outspoken about it as previous candidates had been. So our decision was based more off of who we think would be best to guide us as Christians in our country and our views on other political issues.

Here is a simple rundown of what happened last night. The people of America decided who they wanted their next president to be. That person is Donald Trump.

Like anytime your favorite loses, whether it be your favorite sports team or a presidential candidate, you will either be thrilled or disappointed. Or indifferent if you just don't care.

However, the results happened whether you like it or not. Donald Trump is our president-elect. Some people say that he is not their president. You can be disappointed, but he is our new leader in authority and the Bible says in Romans 13:1 "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." We are to respect all authority because God placed them to be our authority.

The aftermath of this election will be a test for a lot of us. I encourage you to ask yourself these questions:

1. Will you respect the person of authority God placed in our lives?

2. How are you treating other people as a result of the situation?

Facebook has become absolutely nasty, to put it mildly. Everyone is blaming everything and everyone. From blaming Trump voters to the electoral college. People are putting it out there that if you didn't vote for a certain candidate you are an awful person, I do not respect you as my friend anymore, you are not a Christian, etc. We are called to love everyone, including unbelievers or other Christian brothers and sisters. Romans 12:16 says "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."

3. Do you realize who really is in control?

That's Jesus. If you really know he is in control, you should start to feel a wave of peace. He is the Prince of Peace. If a war and chaos come, God is in control. If we end up with prosperity, then we will rejoice because God is in control. Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you.'

So take some time for personal reflection and become aware of how you have reacted to this election. I urge you to change your actions to reflect those of Christ.

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." ~Psalm 46:10