I’m willing to bet no matter how you stand politically you are happy the elections are over.

Now we can move into the much more festive holiday season.

Much has been written, discussed and incessantly argued about when it comes to who has what mandate.

For those who are not political types a mandate is a command or an authorization given by a political electorate (the voters) to its representative (President, Senator, etc).

Ex: Obama in 2008: Hope. Change we can believe in. Anything is possible in America.

After each election cycle talking heads on the news networks debate who has won what mandate and more specifically what the mandate is.

As a Christian I believe I have been given a mandate as well.

Regardless of my political leanings or any political outcome my mandate remains the same.

Here is the mandate I find in scripture. I propose that Christians everywhere act upon it as well.

1. Love – God demonstrated His love for humanity when He sent His only Son to this world.

He didn’t wait till we had our stuff together either. The Bible says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Jesus simplified all scripture into two commands: Love God, love people.

He went on to say that our identifying mark as believers is our love.

Whether people agree or disagree with your political stance, the command remains the same, love people period.

2. Honor – We honor those God has placed in authority over us. We respect our leaders. We pray for them. We believe the best about them.

“Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order.

Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.” (1 Peter 2.13-17, MSG)

Funny, I didn’t see picket or protest anywhere in that verse.

I want my children to understand honor and I’m the best example they have. They will learn to honor as they watch me honor.

3. Work for Peace – There is work to do in this Christian mandate. The work is for peace.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12.18, NIV)

We are not called to work to push our agendas to the front of the line. We’re called to work for peace.

This means when someone at a department store hands you your bag and says, “Happy Holidays,” they ARE NOT at war with you and Christmas.

That’s narrow-minded, combative thinking.

Simply smile and say this: “You too.”

Christians, we’ve been given a clear mandate.

Let’s love, honor and work for peace.