Except for a few races that will be decided in run-off elections, our government leaders have been chosen. It seems like some candidates have been campaigning since the last election ended, so I am certainly glad that part is over. Some of the candidates I supported and voted for won and some did not. The same is probably true for you. That is okay. I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In the church today, there is neither Democrat, nor Republican, nor Libertarian, nor Independent. We are all one in Christ. As we look to the assumption of power for our new officials, there are some things we can do for them.
Pray. “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” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). He tells us in Romans 13 that the authorities are appointed by God and we are to be subject to them. This is the case whether my candidate won or not. James tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). We can pray for our leaders to have wisdom, to govern in a godly manner, to work for peace in our country and the world. We can also pray for their hearts to be changed in those areas where they are in conflict with God’s word. Yes, indeed, pray for our leaders.
Support. Even if you did not vote for the eventual winner in a race, you can still give that person your support when he/she is promoting ideas and laws that are good and right. Many states are dealing with the issue of same sex marriage. Any government official who is opposing such will have my full support on that issue. The same is true for any who oppose abortion, euthanasia/assisted suicide, and other such moral issues. These matters of morality are really the key issues. What should be done about the economic crisis? Iraq? Terrorism? Illegal immigration? There may be many possible solutions to these problems. However, with the problem of atheism, humanism, and immorality, there is only one solution: God. Anyone who will promote God, His word, and His way should have our support.
Oppose. On the other hand, when our officials are promoting things which are wrong we should speak out loud and clear in opposition. Our President elect and many others support abortion. They think Roe v Wade was the right decision and some want to broaden it even further. I can not and will not support anyone in his/her efforts to expand the “right” to destroy innocent human life. The same is true with other issues of morality (or the lack thereof). Thankfully, we live in a country where we have the freedom to speak out against such ungodliness, and we should use that freedom to the best of our ability.
In his inauguration speech, John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” What can we do for our elected officials, whether local, state, or national? Pray, support, and oppose.
--Lamar
Pray. “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” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). He tells us in Romans 13 that the authorities are appointed by God and we are to be subject to them. This is the case whether my candidate won or not. James tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). We can pray for our leaders to have wisdom, to govern in a godly manner, to work for peace in our country and the world. We can also pray for their hearts to be changed in those areas where they are in conflict with God’s word. Yes, indeed, pray for our leaders.
Support. Even if you did not vote for the eventual winner in a race, you can still give that person your support when he/she is promoting ideas and laws that are good and right. Many states are dealing with the issue of same sex marriage. Any government official who is opposing such will have my full support on that issue. The same is true for any who oppose abortion, euthanasia/assisted suicide, and other such moral issues. These matters of morality are really the key issues. What should be done about the economic crisis? Iraq? Terrorism? Illegal immigration? There may be many possible solutions to these problems. However, with the problem of atheism, humanism, and immorality, there is only one solution: God. Anyone who will promote God, His word, and His way should have our support.
Oppose. On the other hand, when our officials are promoting things which are wrong we should speak out loud and clear in opposition. Our President elect and many others support abortion. They think Roe v Wade was the right decision and some want to broaden it even further. I can not and will not support anyone in his/her efforts to expand the “right” to destroy innocent human life. The same is true with other issues of morality (or the lack thereof). Thankfully, we live in a country where we have the freedom to speak out against such ungodliness, and we should use that freedom to the best of our ability.
In his inauguration speech, John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” What can we do for our elected officials, whether local, state, or national? Pray, support, and oppose.
--Lamar
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