Adjusting to the New President

Barack Hussein Obama II was elected the 44th President of the United States this past Tuesday, winning both the popular vote and the electoral college.

Many Christians are in a tail spin over his election. It is true that the President-elect professes to be a Christian but many of his ideas and positions are contrary to the Word of God. His proposals for a changed America are often in conflict with the Kingdom of God. Many true believers are fearful of what the next four years will bring.

God has given us direction for living our lives not only when the political arena is tolerably friendly to the Church but also when it is antagonistic towards us.

We must, first of all, recognize that no one rules whom God has not put into office. “For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another,” (Psalms 75:6-7). Any dissatisfaction with the results of the election must be tempered with an active submission to the will of God.

Secondly, we must remember that those whom God appoints to rule over us rule in his stead, for him. Paul tells us this in Romans 13. Be mindful then that “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God, (Romans 13:1 HCSB).

God has given specific instructions to us with respect to our leaders, whether they be mayors, governors, or presidents.

Of highest importance is our duty to pray for our leaders. “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, (1 Timothy 2:1-3 HCSB). Our prayers may be used of God to change the hearts of our leaders for good.

The Apostle Paul got a little testy and responded to the High Priest in an insulting way. When it was pointed out to him that he was addressing the High Priest Paul said, “I did not know, brothers," Paul said, "that it was the high priest. For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people,” (Acts 23:5 HCSB). He was referring to Exodus 22:28. We must be careful of how we speak of our rulers because they stand in the place of God by the will of God.

“Do all you have to do without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be God's children, blameless, sincere and wholesome, living in a warped and diseased world, and shining there like lights in a dark place,” (Philippians 2:14,15 Phillips).
How we behave under adverse conditions or how we behave when averse to unreasonable or burdensome laws and regulations may open or close the doors to winning others for Christ and will affect how unbelievers glorify God.

Our national Constitution gives us a right not afforded to believers under the Caesars. That right is the right to petition our government. We can petition our government formally by presenting a petition with many signatures or by writing a short letter asking them for their support in a certain area. Keep a close eye on
proposed legislation and write your Representative, your Senators, and even the President and ask them to vote the way you would like them to. A short, polite explanation and a sincere thank you for their considering your request will gain you a fair hearing.

Then too, don’t be afraid to send letters of thanks, congratulations, or appreciation for the good things they do. Our leaders are people, too, and appreciate hearing more than complaints.