Onward Christian Soldiers in the Aftermath of the Election
Tuesday’s electoral drubbing has left many Christian social conservatives, especially, disappointed and even downcast – and it’s easy to see why.
Not only did the pro-life movement lose three state initiatives (Virginia, Missouri, and Nevada), but the pro-family coalition, composed of many Republican lawmakers, suffered historic defeats.
As a Christian ministry, Focus on the Family does not delve into partisan politics, nor does it advocate for or oppose candidates or parties. Yet, the fate of both candidates and parties has a direct correlation to the fate of specific policy initiatives.
The result of the 2026 midterm election will have a detrimental impact on the sanctity of life, parental rights, school choice, gender and sexuality policies in public education, and religious expression in the public square – to name just a few top concerns.
In the hours after the results poured in, social media was awash in frustration, irritation, and even some desperation.
Salem Media’s Hugh Hewitt responded to the “doom and gloom” hanging over many social conservatives today.
“I don’t think it [the election] is an extinction-level event,” he told Fox News. “After 1964, Republicans had 32 Senate seats. After 2008, they had 41. We’ve been walloped before. You rebuild by getting the best and brightest out of every state.”
Hewitt went on to stress patience, acknowledging it could take social conservatives several election cycles to regain influence.
Erika Kirk, the widow of the late Charlie Kirk, recently posted a video of her husband which was taken just before the 2024 presidential election. We see a smiling Charlie saying of the coming contest, “I have no idea what will happen. But whatever happens, we’ll keep fighting.”
Some are uncomfortable with the idea of believers “fighting,” but in the right circumstances, it’s actually a biblical imperative.
“Learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause,” urged Isaiah (1:17). “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute,” we read in Proverbs. “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy” (31:8-9).
The apostle Paul urged early Christians “not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
As Focus on the Family president Jim Daly reflected on Wednesday morning, “Christians care deeply about election results because candidates either approve or reject critical policies that affect the well-being of the nation.”
Christians don’t “fight” with their fists, but they do engage by doing any number of important things – praying, serving, speaking, writing, teaching, and campaigning. They also “fight” by demonstrating their sincerity and authenticity – marrying, having and raising children, and witnessing by their words and good example.
Many Christians grew up singing one of the great hymns of the faith, “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” Written by an English Anglican priest named Sabine Baring-Gould in 1865 and intended to be sung by children as they processed, the anthem evokes images of spiritual warfare in the world.
You’ll remember the “weapon” used is the “cross of Jesus going on before.”
As Christians, we don’t “fight” with traditional armament but with supernatural, spiritual ammunition.
Those who may be weary from the political fights of recent months should take solace in the hymn’s beautiful and reassuring, biblically sound message. We sing:
Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane, But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain. Gates of hell can never ‘gainst that Church prevail. We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
This midterm election lays bare what may be an uncomfortable revelation for many: any so-called social conservative majority in America is a mirage that may have been artificially created by populist appeal. Socially conservative convictional Christians are in the minority – but God doesn’t need majorities to accomplish His purposes.
As Christians evaluate and regroup in the aftermath of Tuesday’s election, we remember our mission isn’t dependent on the polls. Instead, our allegiance is to a King whose Kingdom knows no end – and as the beloved hymn implores:
Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng, blend with ours your voices in the triumph song. Glory, laud, and honor, unto Christ the King, this thro’ countless ages men and angels sing.
The political winds may shift, but Christ’s Church marches on.
