Wednesday I woke up in shock – not because we re-elected a President I did not vote for – but because of the complete and total disrespect I witnessed from Christians regarding the outcome.
The disrespect that troubled me was not necessarily directed toward a candidate or even directed at another’s opinions or political preferences. It was the disrespect toward God in that we have snubbed our noses at the candidate He appointed to lead our nation. Do not forget Paul’s words: “For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God” (Romans 13:1).
Note that it doesn’t say “some” authority. It says “all” authority.
Whether I like it or not.
Whether I agree with him or not.
Whether I understand God’s ways or not.
There is no authority given that has not been given by God. None. Hilter was not an exception. Nor Stalin. God has – and continues to use – the rulers He appoints for His Purposes and His Glory.
Personal opinions and plans are fine but must be laid upon the altar once the votes are tallied and the decision is made. We must submit to the ruler God has chosen for us. Why? Because He commands it. We honor God when we honor His plan.
“When we complain about the difficult people we have to live and work with, blame circumstances for all the inconveniences that make life miserable, or become bitter due to a season of adversity, we are accusing God of mismanagement.” – Jerry Rankin
Amarilys
Nikol….
With all due respect, I think this is a misrepresentation of what is happening.
No one is advocating the overthrow of the Obama administration. (as good as that sounds, frankly.) As such, we are submitting to his authority and the authority of the government. We are not breaking laws and continue to be law abiding citizens.
Submitting is not the same as agreement and contentment. Conversely, anger, disillusionment, fighting for the end of the current administration does not equal rebellion.
I’ll close by copying something someone wrote on my Facebook page as we discussed the disappointing results of Tuesday’s election:
“Mourning indeed, but more determined than ever to reform this culture. We have work to do in the next four years! I’m tired of the Christians who are saying, well, it’s over, so we just need to respect him because he’s president now and move on. NO! By that rationale Christians in Nazi Germany ought to have respected Hitler since he was their chancellor. Ridiculous! This attitude just breeds apathy, and that’s exactly what we need to combat in this nation when it comes to Christians and politics. Come on, Church! Wake up! There can be no unity with or respect for a leader who advocates the things Obama advocates. Furthermore, we need to fulfill our social mandate to care for the widows and the orphans. If we did what we are supposed to do, the liberals would have no platform left on which to securely stand. Oh, my blood is boiling, and I could go on and on, but that’s probably enough of a rant for now.”
Nikol
Hey, Amarilys! I’m actually honored that you dropped by.
Thank you for your comment, and I definitely think your passion is in the right place. Perhaps we don’t share similar friends because some of the things I’ve seen on FB are flat-out juvenile.
I LOVE the quote you included from your friend. The government was never meant to replace our call as Christians to help the poor, the needy, the lonely, the widow and the orphan. I think it is a huge wake-up call to Christians to fulfill the commission Jesus gave to us within our own borders.
Don’t misinterpret my words for passivity. I’m not saying to drink the Kool-aid!!
Take a stand!
Be passionate!
Strive to put God back into the foundation of our country!
ABSOLUTELY do these things.
Do not sit idly by!
And perhaps, that is the intent God has in choosing this President – to get us off our backsides. I hope that is His intent. Or perhaps His intent is to show us that He is faithful to bless us if our nation is faithful but also faithful to judge us if we are not. I don’t presume to know His ways, but I choose to respect them and to focus on how I can fulfill His calling.
Love you, Friend.
Jen
Agreed!