My friend Daniel Darling, a pastor and writer in the Chicago area, shared this insightful article on the post-election situation from his part of the country. Good to see what faith leaders are doing on the front lines and how they continue to make a difference in the lives of many in local communities across American and beyond.

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Thankfully, the political season is over. Or is it? With a
divided house in Washington, perhaps we’ve just begun.

If you’re like me, you might find it hard not to get hooked on the
process. Twitter constantly feeds me updates from various news
sources. Talk radio and websites debate the latest headline, making new ones in the process.

But as a pastor, I know politics is only part of the story
of what is happening in America. As Washington buzzes with gossip, real issues are being met head-on by
people of faith.

In our community, here in the Chicago suburbs, there is
unprecedented cooperation between evangelical churches. Every month I meet with
local pastors. Together, we discuss ways the
Church can meet needs like poverty, unemployment, crime, and gang violence.

I’m amazed at the effective work taking place behind
the scenes. Dedicated volunteers, motivated by faith in Christ, are making a real difference. Local efforts help the addicted move from bondage to freedom. Organizations are feeding the poor, both in Chicago and around the world. Local networks mentor young
men, provide support for abused women, equip low-income individuals with job
skills, financial training, and parenting skills. It’s not a government program, it’s people investing in change, one person at a time.

Don’t misunderstand. Christians don’t need to withdraw from politics. We
are called to serve in any way we can. But politics is
only one form of activism.

Now that the election is over, it may be time to push
ourselves away from the 24-hour news cycle and roll up our sleeves in our
local communities. Regardless of who won, it’s time to get to work.

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Daniel Darling is pastor of Gages Lake Bible Church in the Chicago area and author of several books and articles, including iFaith: Connecting with God in the 21st Century (New Hope). Learn more at DanielDarling.com.