As long as I can remember my parents keeping up with the presidential elections, I have always had an opinion. I grew up around and loved politics, even taking the time to respectfully challenge my high school teachers’ expressed views.
All of these things considered, I’m intrigued by the fact that my first presidential election also happened to be the first election in which I disliked both candidates. Without delving further into my political stance, I did vote, but it was only for the option I considered less painful for the next four years.
So how does someone who doesn’t particularly like the outcome of an election cope? Flee the country? Too complicated. Riot? Too violent (and entirely too much effort for the lethargic way I viewed this election).
How about a different option? Whether you think this election ended for better or for worse, the conclusion didn’t shock God. He already knew the results. And, He also knows how the next four years play out.
Matthew 10:30 says, “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered,” .
If God knows the exact number of the hairs on the head of every person who ever lived, I think it’s naive to believe He didn’t know about and have a plan for the outcome of the election.
We can rest assured that, whether pleased or disappointed by the results, God wasn’t surprised by the outcome.
As a result, we must trust in God’s infinite wisdom by following the lead of our appointed government.
In Luke 20:25, Jesus answers some people asking whether they are supposed to pay taxes by saying, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” .
In the same way, we ought to give to our government what belongs to our government. It doesn’t mean we have to agree with what the government is doing.
In fact, if you feel an injustice is occurring, you may want to consider taking positive action. However, it does mean giving the proper respect to someone in a leadership position and following the rules unless they contradict God’s law.
Aside from respect and a good attitude, I believe the most important aspect of being involved in our country is praying for our leaders. You may not agree with everything a leader says, but if you are praying that the leader develops a deeper relationship with God, the ways in which you originally wanted your country to run may grow out of the president’s godly-focus.
1Timothy 2:1-2 says, “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,” .