The long political season culminated in a history-making election yesterday. The last battle of the hard fought campaign has been waged and the dust is starting to settle. Over the next few days there will be celebration, gloating, bitterness and microscopic analysis to determine why one side won and the other side lost.
As a Christian/Republican, I am sad that so many people voted their own self-interest rather than biblical principles, but as a Christian/American, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that all Americans will come together to preserve the ideals that make this the greatest nation on earth. I am hopeful that all Americans will not allow precious freedoms to slip away; the freedoms that allow us to disagree yet live in peace with each other. I am hopeful that one day we can finally put the race issue behind us and as Martin Luther King stated, actually judge one another not on the color of our skin but of the contact of our character. I am hopeful that the Republicans will finally get their act together, learn something from a “community organizer,” coordinate a ground game and win in 2012.
As you all know by now, my candidate did not win, but I refuse to repeat the behavior of the Democrats toward George Bush over the last 8 years. I refuse to show disdain and hatred toward the next leader of this great nation. Daniel 2:21 says, “And he changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings.” When we understand that all power and authority come from God, it is not so difficult to show respect to all our leaders, regardless of party affiliation.
We need to push past the anger and disappointment and obey I Timothy 2:1-3 which instructs us to pray for those in authority. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” This verse commands us to pray, intercede and even give thanks for all men, without regard to party or agreement, so that we may lead peaceable lives. If for no other reason, be obedient because it is good and acceptable in the sight of God.
The sun will rise tomorrow morning; we will go to work and come home to our loving families; we will still live blessed lives because our hope is in the Lord.
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