As you likely know, it's election week. I want to preface the message of this post by noting that I’m writing this before the election. Therefore, I don’t know who wins. I think this is important to point out because I want to emphasize that this message is not contingent on who wins the election. These are universal truths taught in Scripture that we need to keep in mind this week, regardless of the outcome of a presidential vote.
God is Our Supreme Ruler
“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” — Acts 5:29
Our loyalty is first to God and all that He commands. At times, decisions made in this country, and many others, do not align with the commands of God. We, as Christians, must remain strong in these situations and abide first by the laws and commands of God over those of men. However, the Bible also makes it clear that we are to...
Submit to Our Government
Second to the laws of God, where they do not conflict, the laws of men are to be followed. We are to subject ourselves to the government. The God-inspired writers in our Bible make this very clear. Here are a few excerpts from Scripture that discuss this very point:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment... For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.” — Romans 13:1-7
“Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good... Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” — 1 Peter 2:13-17
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” — Titus 3:1
Notice that this is not conditional upon which party wins the seat of authority. We live in a country where democracy allows for a vote of the people to choose who is in power. Whether the candidate you voted for is declared the winner or not, these scriptural truths apply to you all the same. These are the terms set forth in this country for all who live within it, Christians and others alike. Therefore, whoever is chosen by the vote of this election will be our president. This doesn’t mean I have to agree with everything they do, but I am called to submit to them with respect.
Let’s Pray for Our New President
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” — 1 Timothy 2:1-2
We should pray for our new president. Pray that they find within themselves the ability to lead this country in a way that best serves the people as well as God. Regardless of the winner, our president is a created child of God with a God-given free choice to pursue their own will or God’s. That is a decision that every person has to make daily. Our president is no different. So let’s remember that, as humans, we have all fallen short of the glory of God and should be praying daily that each one of us has our hearts open to God’s will and His desires for our lives.
Today, I will be praying for the president and those surrounding them. I pray that their path might be directed in any way that aligns with God’s will. I hope you will join me in that prayer.
Be Respectful.
In the 1 Peter 2 passage I mentioned earlier, Peter instructs the brethren to:
“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the [president].” — 1 Peter 2:17
The text says “emperor,” but Peter’s writing would apply to any leader in an authoritative role, such as that of an emperor. We should honor our president and elected officials in the same way that we “love the brotherhood.” As Christians, we are called to honor and respect everyone.
Peter also says:
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” — 1 Peter 2:16
One direct application of this verse is that, although we might have freedom of speech in this country, we cannot use that freedom to violate God’s law by speaking evil of our president. Remember our first point: we are subject first to God’s law. We are to “honor everyone.” Keep this in mind as we engage in conversations in the days and weeks to come.
We Have Nothing to Fear
At times like this, fear is a common topic. People fear for the future of our country, for those who live here, and for Christians and what our fate may be under any given leader’s influence. But again, Scripture speaks to this issue.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
While we are here in this world, we will face difficulties. As years pass, we will cycle through times of greater or lesser difficulty, but we will never rise above them while still alive. The world can be a tough and challenging place. When we remember that the leaders of our nation are imperfect people, who will falter and fail like anyone else, it’s no surprise that no nation can run perfectly or smoothly forever. Problems and challenges are inevitable in a nation governed by people.
But we must remember that our true residency is in a nation not governed by human hands. Christ came and overcame all the challenges of this world, establishing a kingdom that cannot be affected by the choices of worldly leaders. As Christians, we are citizens of an incorruptible spiritual kingdom, and because of this, we should not be troubled by the failings of earthly nations.
We will find ourselves forever distressed if our focus is on worldly failings and pitfalls. So let's stay focused on God. On days when I fear for the future of myself, my family, and those around me due to the direction and decisions of our nation’s leaders, I am reminded of what Jesus said to the church of Smyrna in the book of Revelation:
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10
Jesus did not tell those Christians they would no longer suffer. In fact, He acknowledged that they would, but He urged them not to fear it. Because, in reality, the suffering could not harm them. They were protected—not physically, but spiritually. It is in death that we receive our crown of salvation. The only thing that can take that from us is our own unfaithfulness.
So, if we remain faithful, regardless of who is president and what decisions they make, we have nothing to fear.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” — Psalm 56:3-4
In the coming days, pray for our president. Pray that decisions are made that will minimize trouble and tribulation in our nation and in our world. Pray that decisions will be made that will honor God. But if those things do not come to pass, remember that, thanks to your faith, you do not have to fear what will come to pass.
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