A New President?

I am one who does not jump into the political realm easily, but I feel like this is a moment that I am being told to do so.

Right now there is a big divide in our country because of the actions recently under our new president, and the Congress. Many have said let's elect a new president because of it.

It's interesting to me to see the attitude towards President Obama is similar to that attitude that was present towards our previous president, George Bush. The main difference? Those speaking for and against have merely traded their words with each other. But rather than speak my own opinions about these actions, I would rather direct us to God's opinion when it comes to the authority that is set over us.

Daniel spoke some powerful words to a powerful king one day - "The Most High God rules the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them." - Daniel 5:21b

Jesus echoed these words when he told Pilate, "You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above." - John 19:11

So what does God say to do when it comes to human authority, to the government?
Romans 13:1-7
Verse 1 - "Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God"
Verse 2 - "So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished."
Verse 5 - "So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience."
Verse 6 - "Pay your taxes too, for these same reasons."
Verse 7 - "Give respect and honor to all whom it is due"

Personally I believe that the punishment Paul is speaking of comes from God, not from the government. Look what Paul also says in the letter to his friend Titus...

Titus 3:1-2 - "Submit to the government...be obedient, always ready to do what is good...must not speak evil of anyone...be gentle and show true humility."

Peter also knew this to be true but when he was told to never speak about Jesus again, by religious leaders he said, "We must obey God rather than human authority." - Acts 5:29

So the boldest disciple was pushing aside human authority all together? No. Look what he said in I Peter 2:13-17 - "Accept all authority...show respect for the king."

Just as in the 8 years of the Bush Administration we were to honor, respect, and accept the authority set before us, so now during the Obama Administration we are to do the same.

When did you last complain, argue, or get angry about a political decision that was made or a political leader? Was it Sunday evening? Was it this morning?

When did you last pray for the political leaders who make those decisions? If God set these people in place as Jesus said, does God not have the ability to speak words of wisdom and council to them like he did in the days of Daniel?

Fight for what you believe in but learn to set the example for others that will set you a part from all other people and show that God is in you and coming through you!

Final thought: The way we handle our human authorities tells a lot about how we handle our heavenly authority.