No, it is not because I am upset at the result. I am upset at the reaction that many of my Christian friends are having towards this outcome. I find it really sad that people who are commanded in Scripture to respect the authorities that are over them are choosing to disrespect President-elect Barack Obama.
The Bible is very clear as to how Christ-followers are to respond to those in authority and unfortunately much of the responses that I am seeing from some of my Christian friends on Facebook is not Biblical, in my opinion. I think back to my reaction in 1992 when Bill Clinton became our 42nd President and it was deplorable. I did not show him the honor that he was due and instead of lifting him up in prayer I was tearing him down with my speech. And that was ungodly. I have repented of that behavior and have made a choice to change that from here on out. Instead I am choosing to follow the words of Scripture.
Romans 13:1-7 – Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Whether we like it or not, God has placed Barack Obama as the next President of the United States and we as Christ-followers need to give him the respect that the office deserves based upon the Word of God. We are also commanded to pray for them.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
So I implore Christ-followers to change the tide of this country and do as a friend of mine said and choose to radically love for change. Another friend of mine made a great comment on Twitter, “Jesus calls us to SALT, not assault. Selah.” All I can say is, “Amen!” How are you going to respond?
