So, we all made it through another election! I have not heard any news reports of mass rioting and looting across the nation, so all seems well for the time being. Seriously, though, I think everyone is fully aware of the gravity of yesterday’s election. These United States are stepping into a new era, an era that will (hopefully) enter the history books as a time of change for the betterment of its people.
A congratulations is in order for President-elect Obama. He ran a very good campaign, one that was well-planned and and implemented in a way that managed to have voters turn out in record numbers. He ran a relatively-clean campaign and managed to focus most of his advertisements on the positive aspects of his own campaign rather than the negative portions of the McCain-Palin ticket. That grace was certainly not reciprocated, and I tip my hat to Obama’s campaign manager for not stooping to his opponent’s level.
I am anxious to see what policies will be enacted during his administration. There is no doubt in my mind that there will be some large changes to the way our society operates, both good and bad. Mr. Obama has never shied away from voicing his pro-choice beliefs, so hopes that Roe v. Wade will be overturned can most likely be shelved until the election of 2016. On the other hand, I believe that the poor and underprivileged in this country have been marginalized and financially raped by greedy heads of large corporate entities, and I truly hope that a Democratic White House will do its best to keep these vultures at bay. Of course, there is no guarantee that this will happen, but it has a historically better chance than if a Republican president was elected.
Well then, regardless of your opinions about his policies of qualifications for the office, there can be no argument that Mr. Obama has claimed a hands-down victory for the White House. So, what does the Bible tell us, as Christians, about our responsibility to a figure of authority? How are we to support future President Obama? By praying for him (I Timothy 2:1-8), submitting (yep, it says that) to him (Titus 3:1-2, Romans 13:1-7), honoring him (I Peter 2:13-18), and by seeking righteousness for the entire nation (Proverbs 14:34).
Another overarching theme found in nearly all of the aforementioned verses is the command to us that we are to refrain from slanderous speech and arguing amongst one another. The call for bipartisanship has become such a political cliché, but the Bible commands just that. And so does common sense. The election is over and Barak Obama is going to be our new president in two months. Short of tragedy, nothing is going to change that. So it is in our best interest, as both Christians and citizens of the greatest nation of the world, to come together with those who voted differently than us and pray that Mr. Obama, his cabinet, and his advisors are sympathetic to the direction of our God. Submit to their authority unless it directly contradicts the commands of the Lord. And use the next eight years to show that Christianity is a religion of peace and love, not hate, bigotry, and ignorance.
God has placed in the position of power the man that He wants in power. Nothing happens in this universe that God did not directly cause to happen. We have no reason to fear the coming administration. We know that God’s plan is not always obvious to our finite and simple minds. But we can have faith. We can have faith to know that He is in control and that, whatever happens, it will all culminate in in Christ’s return to this earth to bring His faithful back to worship the Father for all of eternity. And that, my friends, is a pretty happy ending.
5 comments ↓
Some of what you say is true….however, we all need to be a little fearful of his muslim connections. Are you ready for the anti-christ. Have you read Revelations lately. I will pray for our new administration as I prayed yesterday for God’s will to be applied to the election. The end will come whether it be sooner or later. I just can’t imagine supporting someone who believes in killing unborn children and that homosexuality is not only right but that it should be taught in our schools.
These are not the things our country was founded on. God first!!!!
Thanks for the comment, Cindi. I cannot address everything you said in a comment (it would probably take a whole post), but there are a few things I want to say.
I have to disagree with you on needing to be fearful of his Muslim connections. 2 Timothy 1:7 lets us know that we have been empowered by our God with a spirit of power and love, not one of fear. I have no reason to fear, first, because “Muslim connections” is a bit vague. Mr. Obama has given us no indication that he wants to promote Muslim ideals. In addition, the First Amendment to the Constitution assures us that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” Unless the new administration goes through the long and arduous process of amending the Constitution, we need not fear the creation of a Muslim state.
Secondly, though, we have no reason to fear because we know what is to come. You asked if I was ready for the Antichrist. I am. I am completely ready by not worrying about it for a single moment. If I can place my trust in the Bible, specifically the book of John’s Revelations, then I will not be here during the tyranny of the Antichrist’s reign on this earth, whenever that may come. I will have already been called up by the Father to spend eternity in blessed worship.
So no, we do not need to fear, even a little, “Muslim connections” nor anything to come if we truly trust that God’s will is going to prevail.
You might want to re-think that statement “Nothing happens in this universe that God did not directly cause to happen.” Consider reading some theological discusions of the secondary or intermediate causes of God. These ideas better explain the existance of evil without diminishing God’s sovereignty and His ultiamte purpose in evil for the global glory of Christ. I would recommend John Piper’s “Spectacular Sins”.
You make a very good point, Linden. A better line would have been “Nothing happens in this universe that God does not *allow* to happen.”
I know that evil is not of God. He allows it to occur in order to proclaim His glory after the ultimate triumph over it.
And thank you for the book suggestion. “Spectacular Sins” is definitely on the top of my list.
Eric,
I appreciate that you want to uphold the authority of our country; however, I believe God’s authority is above all. Yes, as an American citizen I must “render to Ceaser what is Ceaser’s”, but, as a christian I must give everything to God first. He is the one I honor, He is the one that gets my submission. I will continue to be a proud American whether or not the “vote” goes my way. God first, family second, and country third.
As far as Mr. Obama goes, I pray that his connections are not what they appear. Only God knows Mr. Obama’s heart. I stand corrected in judging him. I have to tell you, though…Mr. Obama would not be allowed to serve in the FBI because of his connections and this gives me cause for worry that he can be our next president.
I also need to add that my decision to vote for John McCain and not Barack Obama is based only on my moral and spiritual beliefs. I do not support or believe in the things that he supports and believes in.
I also believe, as Linden stated, that not everything happens because caused it to. He gives free will to every one. He knows all and He knew the outcome; however, that does not mean he wished it to be. Free will is something we are all offered. The only thing that matters in the end is our faith in God and our salvation through Jesus Christ. I am tired of the upheaval and am ready to move on towards a solid future through Jesus. Thank God for grace that is extended to everyone who chooses to accept it.
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