Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes (Proverbs 21:1).
A new president was elected last night. Some people are celebrating today while other people are quite upset. The sad thing that I observe is that the divisive, non-respectful attitude of some in our nation has also bled into some parts of the church of Jesus Christ in America.
Our stance should be one of humility and conciliation, that is, finding where we can agree with others and magnifying those points, and then seeking to work through our areas of disagreement with others in a kind way.
Regardless of your political persuasion, as believers we are commanded to pray for those in authority. Our new president elect inherits problems that continue to mount up. There are mounting problems in this nation with debt, with terrorism, with racial division, with lack of respect for authority and law and order, with morality and the sanctity of human life, and with mounting international crises. These are not just natural problems that need practical wisdom, they are also spiritual problems that must be addressed by our relationship with God. Human wisdom alone cannot answer the problems we face. We must have the wisdom of God.
I believe that we’re living in the days just prior to Jesus’ return. These are and will be days of change and challenge as the earth prepares for Jesus’ return. I want to encourage you to pray sincerely for President Elect Trump, as well as our current President, Barack Obama. We Christians can make a huge difference!
We as Christians must set the example and can lead our culture down the path of unity, selflessness, fairness, honesty, integrity, respect for authority, and purity. It’s time for us to cast aside any attitude or words that gender strife and share by example the truth of the Word of God to every person we meet without discrimination of any kind!
I’ll end this article with scripture that deals with what our attitude should be towards government. And then I’ll leave you with some quotes from our past. We need for God to be involved in our national affairs. Without Him, this nation, like any nation that rejects the knowledge of God, will fail!
Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service. For it is God’s will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons (1 Peter 2:13-15-Amplified).
Remind believers to willingly place themselves under the authority of government officials. Believers should obey them and be ready to help them with every good thing they do. Believers shouldn’t curse anyone or be quarrelsome, but they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone (Titus 3:1-2 – God’s Word).
By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth (Proverbs 8:15-16 – Amplified).
Daniel answered and said: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding (Daniel 2:20-21).
Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin (John 19:11).
We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other (John Adams).
Statesmen by dear Sir, may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand….The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now, They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty. (John Adams)
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labor to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness (George Washington).