Let me right up front say that I did not write this. I "bloglifted" it from my friend, Rick Sams. All credit is due him. I just found it appropriate at this time. I find that some people, Christians included, are only slandering the new President. He definitely has different ideas about the value of life, among other things, but scripture is pretty clear about our respecting him as our leader and the need to pray for him.
How do our reactions to our country's new leader line up with the following:
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Romans 13:1-2 (NASB)
For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil ... it is a minister of God to you for good.Romans 13:3-4 (NASB)
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.Romans 13:6-7 (NIV)
Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.1 Peter 2:13-17 (The Message)
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, 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 men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
Not easy, all of that ... especially when you feel differently on many issues than your leader does. However, I don't see an "out" in what is required of us based on whether or not the president lines up with our belief systems. Keep in mind the quality of the leadership that the writers of the New Testament were talking about when they said the things above.
Thanks, Rick!
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1 comment:
Deedee,
I didn't vote for Obama and would not follow any law that overrides God's principles as directed in His Word.
However.......I watched most of the day on Tuesday. I,too, felt a sense of pride in America. A pride for our Afro American brothers. I voted for principle, not color. But it was a long past due day in American history. I was proud for us, that this day could come!
I rejoiced with the crowd there, and embraced their sense of "equality" at long last.
I will continue to pray daily for our President, for his judgement, wisdom, and spiritual sensitivity.
Love, Aunt Linda
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