This has been a historic week for America-and I’m glad it’s over!
It’s hard for me to believe that the campaigns are finished. It almost seems like something is missing from the television, the newspaper, and the internet now that there is not an ad or poll results everywhere I turn. Most Americans woke up Wednesday pleased with the results-that is the way the popular vote works-but many of us in Dickson County (60%) were disappointed. That’s just the way democracy works!
Regardless of your feelings about our new president-elect, Christians have certain responsibilities towards their leaders. It is pretty impressive to me that these responsibilities are constant regardless of the leader. Whether you were a German living under Hitler, a Christian under Nero, or even an ancient Jew under David, God expects the same things:
- We must pray for our leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
- We must thank God for our leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
- We must respect our leaders. (Romans 13:7)
- We must honor our leaders. (Romans 13:7, 1 Peter 2:17)
- We must give what is due to our leaders. (Matthew 22:15-22)
To this list, I’ll add one more thought:
We must remember our primary citizenship is not American. Our party affiliation is neither democratic nor republican. I’m proud to be an American, but that pride pales in comparison with the magnificent splendor of the only kingdom whose king is Jehovah God!
Here’s what Paul said: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enable him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21) (See also John 18:36)
For that citizenship, I am very grateful. May our knees always bow to the true king of heaven and earth!