In God We Trust – Respecting Authority After Election Day

Tuesday was Election Day, and many are glad to see it come and go. Some are rejoicing that the person they voted for won. Others are a bit grumpy about the results. However, all must live with the outcome, at least for the next two to six years, depending on the elected office.

The Apostle Paul speaks of respecting authority often in the New Testament especially in Romans and in 1 Timothy 2. We may not like the people put into office for whatever reason, but we must respect them and live peacefully with one another no matter how we feel. As Christians we are to respect that authority, just as we would submit and obey God.

Romans 13:1 (NIV), ” 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”

Government offices and officials are set in place to ensure life, liberty and peace among all who dwell together. If you have made the choice to live in a community, town or city, you will live by city rules and ordinances. That is what you have agreed to by choosing to live within the city limits. We must also follow state and federal laws too. If we don't like certain things going on, well, we are free to try and change things the next time the vote comes around. But for now, we are to accept whatever may come and live under the authority that has been elected, peacefully one with another.

Paul, however, does urge all believers to pray for all those of authority as well as everyone under that authority.

1 Timothy 2:1-3,” I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 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,”

We don't often think about praying for our government officials, but let's face it, once they are in office, they have a lot of choices to make on their own behalf and on the behalf of others. I for one, hope that all our officials are God fearing, Christian citizens who are praying about the choices they are making. But even if they are not, we as believers should be praying to God on their behalf asking God to work through that individual to do what needs to be done for the good of all the people.

In God We Trust, this was the statement that helped build America almost 400 years ago. We may not trust the official in office, but we trust in God to work through that individual and through the system for our betterment. No matter what we should respect all authority and we should be praying for all of them. We should be praying for everything: for all believers and non believers that all might acknowledge God is here. He is in control. He is working among us. We can trust in Him to meet our needs and do what  needs to be done through the powers established.

Regardless who won, whether you voted for them or not, keep praying for your country and keep doing all you can to move it in a godly direction. Keep trying to make a difference in people's lives, keep involved, keep witnessing, attending church, meetings, etc. Stay strong and be encouraged. In God we trust.

Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV), “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

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  1. TurtleDove said:

    Thank you. I suspect that many people — consciously or not — want polititians to fail if they belong to a different party. I hope to pray earnestly and without malice for those who make decisions that impact my life.

    November 4, 2010
    Reply
  2. Rev. Tim Lehmann said:

    Great article. I was talking about this very thing Tuesday evening at our men’s Bible study. Thank you for sharing.

    November 4, 2010
    Reply

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