Dr. BJ Condrey

One advantage of Election Day’s arrival is knowing that the day after is close at hand. The day after is when we wake up and realize that, regardless of who won, the sun has risen, the world hasn’t ended, and we still have the opportunity to love those around us, work to improve lives, perform small acts of kindness, and share God’s love in Christ.

Also, there will be a ripe opportunity for Christians to be salt and light to the world around us. Jesus taught:

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:13–16)

As of November 6, how can Christians be salt and light? By embodying that which will be grossly missing in our country: peace. But what is peace? It is an easy word to throw around, but what does the Bible teach? Around 700 years before Christ, Isaiah prophesied that the future Messiah would be, among others things, the “Prince of Peace” (9:6). In Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul lists the “fruit of the Spirit,” peace (eirēnē in Greek) has a depth of meaning that goes beyond the absence of conflict or anxiety.

Among other things, peace in the Bible reflects a holistic sense of well-being, harmony, and inner stillness that comes from a relationship with God. This peace is both personal and relational—experienced and embodied in one’s heart and mind, but also evident in interactions with others.

In Galatians 5, peace is part of the Spirit’s transformative work in believers’ lives. Rather than being dependent on external circumstances, it is a gift that reflects God’s presence and influence. It manifests as a calmness or stability even in challenging situations, as well as a disposition that fosters harmony with others. This peace is similar to the Hebrew concept of shalom, which implies completeness, soundness, and well-being, pointing to a life restored and centered in God.

In essence, Paul’s inclusion of peace in the “fruit of the Spirit” emphasizes that a life led by the Spirit is marked by an unshakeable inner calm and a harmonious disposition toward others, grounded in one’s relationship with God.

What will post-election America need 24 hours from now? Christians who are Kingdom-minded, marked by a deep, holistic peace rooted in God’s unwavering character and love—a peace that radiates through all we do. The peace we hold in our hearts as followers of Christ and express to those around us may be what truly stands out as salt and light, serving as an apologetic for the reality and goodness of Christ.

Let us remember that we are Christians above all else—beyond political affiliations and even our identity as Americans.