Inauguration Day is quickly approaching (January 20th) and this means that once again our nation will experience change. May this change create a community of Americans who are respectful, optimistic, and willing to serve their country and its people in the best way possible.
The verse that comes to mind when I think of January 20th is:
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. - Romans 13:1 (NLT)
These authorities, including the President of the United States, have been placed in that role by God. It was His will that he would be elected. Whether you wish the 44th President could stay in office longer or whether you are looking forward to the 45th President, realize that there is a level of respect that is owed to both men.
I can openly say that I did not agree with Obama's views on abortion, health care, or gay marriage. BUT throughout his two terms, I had to realize that God had placed him there. He knew Obama would be in office for eight years and as a Christ-following American, it was my duty to respect the President through my language and it was my responsibility to pray that his decisions, actions and policies would be guided by Christ and would honor Him. This prayer is still needed for these next four years, no matter what your political beliefs are.
Our beliefs may differ, but in the end, don't we both want a successful nation run by a successful leader? If that answer is yes, then we should want to go on praying for our president-elect, his cabinet, and our other government authorities so that they would all make wise decisions. On January 20th, I hope that our nation, myself included, will learn to respect and submit to our new President.
Respect comes in many different forms. One way to respect the future President is to realize the difficulty of the job he is about to take over. I think this is something that we can all agree on. May we all realize that this position involves a full commitment for four years to lead a nation by upholding the Constitution. Another form of respect is accepting the fact that this President was elected by the people and is the ruler. I know that it can be difficult to accept a new leader whose stance on certain issues differs from your own. But how can we move forward as a nation during this stage of change if we do not realize and respect our new leader?
It's a new year full of many changes, but it is my hope and prayer that this nation will be comprised of people and leaders who:
do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God - Micah 6:8
