‘Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that though our road has been hard, our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back and we know in our heart, for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.’ President Obama.

And breathe. The long race to the White House has concluded. The Obamas will remain in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for four more years, and whilst there are no plans for a second puppy, a strategy is needed to heal a country painfully divided by months of fierce campaigning.

Exit polls suggest that the US today is very different to the country which elected Obama for his first term. In 2008, he spoke from a platform of hope, unity and change, describing the US as never having been ‘a collection of Red States and Blue States’. However, on some issues (such as debt and healthcare) the country appears more divided than it has ever been. President Obama will need to show great leadership to heal these rifts – no mean feat given he was returned with just 50.1% of the popular vote.

In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus told the disciples: ‘The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.’ Great leadership is hallmarked by a humble love for those led rather than the love of leading itself – the supreme example of which is seen in Christ’s own sacrifice.

As President Obama embarks on his next four years in office, I hope and pray that his professed Christian faith will provide a firm foundation and inform how he lives his life – as husband, father and president. The road ahead is not easy: a split Congress, rising insecurities in the Middle East, precarious global economies, climate change and energy independence are crucial issues demanding careful responses. But may he lead a hurting country towards togetherness by first serving – those in the US itself and others around the world, with the global influence that such a superpower holds.

Presidents and politicians may or may not be able to deliver on their promises, but all those who belong to Christ know for sure that the best truly is yet to come.