True Hope and Change? Yes We Can.
-by Luke Trouten 
This stems from too many people relying too heavily on the influence and actions of our nation’s leader.
The words “hope” and “change” practically grew on trees this year, as candidates in dozens of races evoked them as the new standard for political progress. Entire campaigns were based on the idea of restoring hope and bringing change.
The obvious insight is that we are a country that desperately needs hope, and deeply desires the change it would take to have that hope restored. The problem is many spent Tuesday waiting around to see if the result of the election would bring them the hope they want.
“We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it.)” That’s Romans 8:24. There is nothing that a new president will bring to our world that can overshadow the things that a relationship with Jesus already provides. While every president faces a time when citizens are disappointed by his decisions, “… this hope will not lead to dissapointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” [Romans 5:5]
And that love, not a political party, will be what brings the change we hope for in our world. Every political issue has already been addressed by Jesus.
The Economy
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. [2 Corinthians 9:8]
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
[Matthew 6:25]
Caring for the poor
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. [2 Corinthians 9:7]
National Security
We have been rescued from our enemies
so we can serve God without fear, [Luke 1:74]
You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! [Matthew 5:43-44]
Crime and Punishment
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. [2 Peter 2:9]
And it could go on.
The point is this, despite who you rooted for or what you think needs to happen in Washington, the purest and most reasonable shot we have at providing hope and bringing positive change does not come from filling in a circle on a ballot, but from living the way Jesus asks his followers to live.
Failing at that makes us a useless lamp [Matthew 5:15]. Sending politicians instead of light into the dark parts of this world. It makes us meaningless.
Attempting it makes us the salt of the earth that Jesus spoke of [Matthew 5:13]. Battling the decaying world and becoming the spice that brings flavor to life. It creates a force for good that will overshadow any legislation ever passed, speech ever given, or political movement ever organized.
Don’t wait for an elected official to bring change. Don’t use elections as your only source of hope. Don’t blame politicians for our lack of effort.