Who’s In Charge?

Fifty2 Sunday’s ~ Listening for God (10-30-16)

         The text for the sermon was Romans 13:1-10 which addresses how we are to submit to governing bodies, pay our taxes, show respect (verses 1-7) and love others –as this how God’s law is fulfilled (verses 8-10). The preacher mainly focused on the part of the text about loving others, however the verses before that got me thinking about the election as we are now just days away from selecting a new president.

         In our democracy we get to vote for our leaders - one vote per person – and the one with the most votes wins – as long as they also have a majority of 270 electoral votes. In this country we are able to debate and disagree on political matters but in the end we all must accept the result of the election. Certainly our system of government is superior to what many live under in other countries.

         Even so, one might wonder if God works through voters who don’t share the same faith, values or opinions about the candidates or the issues at hand (this includes Christians too who don’t agree)?

         This question is a bit like, asking did God create the universe. One either believes he did or didn’t. I have to remind myself sometimes that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8 &9) and “… in him [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

         God is in charge and that includes the outcome of the presidential election (Romans 13:1b). I may not like the result of the election and what that person does during their presidency but once again (by faith) I need to remember that they are God’s servants (Romans 13:4, 8) and my job is to respect them (Romans 13:7).

         In closing, it certainly makes sense that we should pray and ask God to give us leaders who will best serve at this time in their elected roles.  And we need to keep praying for those elected – as I Timothy 2:1-3 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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,” Amen.

              (All scripture quoted taken from NIV unless otherwise stated).