At the end of Life Group last night, the guy leading the gathering reminded us to pray for the election and to see God's hand at work in it no matter what happens. I completely agree. Romans 13:1-2 says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." No matter who wins tomorrow, there will be some disappointed people. We have to remember to pray for whoever becomes president and to give honor due the office.
In the 1990's, many conservative, Evangelical Christians acted shamefully, in my opinion, when it came to Bill Clinton. There were constant snide remarks, jokes, and insults. Many acted hatefully no matter what he did, it was wrong. At the same time, many of those same people have given George W. Bush a free pass on everything, whether his actions were right or wrong. Bush was their guy and Clinton was not. But, this perspective causes us to miss the truth and be easily deceived. We have to quit playing "team" politics and learn to side with Truth instead of our perspective on things.
When I awake Wednesday morning, I will be full of joy no matter who wins. I will not be in despair, heartbroken, or angry. I will not fear. I will be full of joy because I know that God is on His throne and He is not surprised. His will will be done no matter who is in the White House. He will use the next president to accomplish His purposes. Maybe great things will happen? Maybe we will receive judgment from the Lord and be turned over to our sins? Who knows? But, I do know that I will be looking to God instead of Washington - in Him will my hope rest.
At the end of the day, I praise God for America and I love my country deeply. I want to see her be all that she can be and to fulfill the promise of her founding. But, I am a citizen of God's Kingdom first of all and it matters far more how I conduct myself as His ambassador in this alien land, than it does who is in the White House. Do I weep over the murder of the unborn? Absolutely. This election motivates me to be more active in doing something about it and not just trust politicians to pass laws. That is the easy way out and requires little on my part. We must BE Christians, even in the midst of a hostile environment, instead of trusting government to make life easy for us. If that awareness arises out of this election, then may God be praised and may His Kingdom come!
By the way . . . don't forget to vote!
Here here Pastor. This is an encouraging post to me.
When president Clinton was re-elected, I was distraught. But this time, I will not be distraught because God has given me a deeper understanding of His power. I now know that even through evil (and I think this will be an evil administration), God is glorified and his people are loved and secure (although not necessarily comfortable or safe).
I for one accept your challenge to BE Christian, and by that I think you mean live out our true identity.
Although I am concerned for my children and saddened (like you) at the impending, growing murder of God's babies, I am not fearful of man. Praise be to God.
Shalom,
Ray
Posted by: Ray Simmons | November 04, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Good stuff Alan. I pray that believers will be salt and light in victory or defeat. In victory by refraining from crowing and chest thumping and casting dispersion on whoever the loser is, and in defeat by refraining from scurrilous newspaper/blog eschatology.
The thing I pray the most is that believers will quit thinking, and practicing, that a biblical worldview only applies to politics.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Posted by: Mike Woodward | November 04, 2008 at 02:01 PM
I couldn't have said it better myself Alan. Thanks for voicing that. Romans 13:1, 2 came to mind this morning and have posted it also on Facebook etc.. Change always comes from the ground up not the other way around. WE are responsible for change, not just the government.
God be glorified in all we do! PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
Bless President Elect Obama and his family. Bless him and build him up and pray for him. Prayer softens hearts.
Posted by: Lisa Rose | November 05, 2008 at 08:30 AM