“I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.” – Thomas Jefferson
Divided as ever, Americans are mourning and celebrating the same event at the same time. That’s business as usual for an election year, but this one carries weight both sides sense but, for now, can’t fully appreciate. Barack Obama will serve a second term, during which he’ll manifest a starker, bolder vision for the country, implementing it vigorously and protecting it with policies and Supreme Court appointments who’ll steer the U.S. in his direction long after he’s gone. You’re either delighted or appalled at the prospect, according to your political and social leanings. But all of us can at least agree that this one was big. We’ve turned a corner and are now charging towards some kind of brave new world, like it or not.
Count me among the nots. I’ve prayed against the direction this administration’s been taking us – larger government; reduced global stature; fewer liberties – and, like millions of my fellow citizens, I’m scratching my head over the country’s choice. (Close race, I know, but the winner still wins with no less executive power just because nearly half the voters wanted someone else) I’ve been sad over elections before, certainly, and disappointment in political outcomes is a fact an adult should face without pouting. But for me it’s more than the kick in the gut the losing side always feels. This time I’m not just sad, angry, confused. This time I tremble.
When I tremble I turn to God. Good start. And in so doing I’m reminded of some critical points.
First, America is not the Church. We all know that, but in practice I find myself and many of my conservative friends acting as though the country is led by a Pastor rather than a President; guided by Elders rather than Legislators; founded on principles of Scripture rather than the Constitution. We are in fact a nation historically influenced by Christian teachings, but a secular nation nonetheless. If a secular nation chooses the wrong leader, it’s not as though the Church has appointed a heretical pastor, because a secular nation is not commissioned to preach the gospel, edify the saints, let its light shine. That’s the work of the Church, and it’s the only work that redeems and transforms the human condition. The right President (and the right Congress and Supreme Court as well) can do immeasurable good, but the Body of Christ, functioning under His authority, does eternal good. That truth continues whether the red or blue states got their way, so God help us to remember that we are Christians first; patriots second. Our hope and allegiance should both reflect that.
Second, I care, and I’m supposed to. Notwithstanding the differences between Church and State, America is an amazing nation that’s enjoyed God’s overt blessings while promoting ideals we take rightful pride in. Free enterprise, independence, the work ethic, tolerance, small government and enhanced individualism are concepts I cherish, and when I see them denigrated or threatened I do, and should, grieve. So when my President essentially apologized for my country to other nations, implemented policies expanding federal reach, associated with a number of anti-American radicals over the years, dismissed the value of personal accomplishment (“You didn’t build that”) and received ongoing spiritual guidance from a pastor who shouted “God damn America” from the pulpit, yes, I’ll admit to weeping over his re-election. For all I know he may be a very good man, but his policies repel me and his philosophy alarms me. So while I’m tempted to comfort myself with clichés about God remaining in control (all of them true; none of them, for me, very helpful this morning) I’m also reminded there’s a time for tears, and for me that time is today. I sincerely believe we’ve made a disastrous choice, so in response I care, I’m sorry, and I mourn.
Finally, God’s timing is intact. He knew I would be a 58-year old American citizen at this time, facing and responding to the current challenges. So I have to shift my thinking from Who did God want elected in 2012? to What does God want from me in 2012?
I won’t be judged by the direction my nation takes, but I’ll surely answer for my own direction, and my stewardship of the gifts and responsibilities He’s commissioned to me. So while reading the morning paper, I’m calling a stop to my childish rants against an electorate I can’t understand. Instead, I’m re-thinking some of my obligations in light of this election.
I’m obliged to respect my President’s office and pray daily for him, asking God to guide him, correct him when needed, bless his family and strengthen him as both man and leader. I really mean this. I cannot criticize a President I don’t earnestly pray for.
I’m also obliged to disagree when conscience demands it, with clarity and without rancor. More than ever I’m aware of my responsibility to speak up, and as God grants opportunity I’ll do so. But I’ll speak up as a grown up, without sarcasm or wrath. My voice, like yours, is needed. But the world will do just fine without my attitude.
And I’m obliged to know and function within my role in the Body of Christ. When Paul described God’s gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, he noted they were given not for the reformation of the culture, but for the building up of the saints and the edifying of the Church. (Ephesians 4:11-16) My primary allegiance after all is to Him, and my citizenship is in heaven, evidenced largely by my communion with the saints and my commitment to His church.
So today, you may be one of the revelers enjoying last night’s outcome. Peace be with you. I disagree hugely with your choice, but I’ll trust you have your well thought out reasons for cheers, just as I have mine for tears.
Yet we can at least agree that we have to move on, in unity when possible, in love when unity isn’t an option, and in conviction that before God our decisions and behavior are the right ones. For me and my house, more than ever, knowing and serving Him are the main thing. God grant that, whatever these coming years bring, we all keep the main thing, the main thing.
Comments
Richard Mabry | Nov 7, 2012
Well-said. Thank you.
DebbieLynne | Nov 7, 2012
Powerful, thought-provoking and challenging. Thank you.
Michael Berrier | Nov 7, 2012
Thank you for including the admonition to pray for our leaders. I see that more in scripture than anything else around our political landscape, but unfortunately I see it far less frequently in dialog from the right than I see vitriolic criticism or absurd, unsubstantiated and unverified accusations blindly passed along. I also agree with your encouragement to speak up. Let's do so with respect so our primary objective as Christians isn't clouded by our secondary objective as patriots.
Julie | Nov 7, 2012
Joe..I would like to offer some words of comfort here for you...and a warning for other Christians, if I may. I have admired you for many years, having heard your testimony on the Christian radio station I listen too and read about the work you have done on different websites. You are a true light for so many! While I myself do not struggle with the issues you help others with (the Good Lord having saved me from that the moment I surrended to Him), I stand behind you ... refer people struggling to you. Please do not be dismayed and continue on with the work the Lord has given you.
For myself I firmly believe...and I am sure you do too which is probably why you are trembling..that God appoints our leaders:
Romans 13
New King James Version (NKJV)
Submit to Government
13 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
When Paul wrote this, the Jewish people were being horribly oppressed by the Romans who were incredibly ruthless to them. They were taxed into poverty. Crucifixion was an idea created by them to strike such terror into their hearts they wouldn't rebel. Whippings and beatings were common place. They only allowed the Jews their religion because they were pagans and believed in many gods. The Jewish God was just another god to them and posed no threat. We all know the story of Jesus and His mock trial and how they had to go to a Roman government in order to have the death penalty placed on Jesus because they could not do that themselves. While Rome ruled over them, the Jewish religious leaders also knew how to 'use' and 'sway' that government for their own means. Yet Jesus never broke any laws..from Coffman Commentaries on the Old and New Testament: "CHRIST AND THE STATE
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). His kingdom lies, for the most part, within a sector totally removed and separated from the secular state, that institution being also "ordained of God" but charged with a different function, that of preserving order upon earth. Christ himself honored God's ordained institution, the state, ordered the payment of taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:21), declared that the authority of the procurator, Pontius Pilate, was given to him "from above" (John 19:11), prophetically identified the armies of Vespasian and Titus as those of God himself sent for the purpose of destroying those evil men and burning their city, the city of Jerusalem (Matthew 22:7), submitted to arrest, even illegal and unjust arrest (Matthew 26:47-56), refused to allow Peter to defend with the sword against such an outrage, and meekly accepted the death penalty itself, which the state unjustly exacted, and which Christ had ample means of avoiding (Matthew 26:53), but did not.
Christ never led a riot, organized an underground, criticized the government, or took the part of the Jews against Rome. He did not offer himself as an advocate against society on behalf of any so-called victim of social injustice; and, once, he even refused to aid a man who claimed that he had been robbed of his inheritance (Luke 12:13). Jesus Christ was not a revolutionary in any sense of that word today. Although it is true that his holy teachings had the profoundest influence upon the course of history, it was always as leaven and not as dynamite that his influence worked."
During Paul's time, Nero ruled Rome. Nero had kicked his pregnant wife to death and 'married' a slave boy. People laid their new born babies at the foot of his statue to die of exposure to 'honor' him. He was the one responsible for killing so many first century Christians too...including Paul. So when Paul wrote those word..."Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God..." it had to be from God because no human being given the situation they were living in at the time, could have said such a thing! The situation was truly life and death.
While so many Christians are mourning today...I think they need to take a good hard look at their behavior in the months (and over the years) leading up to this election. The sheer hate filled words towards each other over who should be elected has been utterly sickening. Families have divided, churches, towns, cities, and even states. Our nation is divided deeply over worldly issues. How can I say that when unborn babies are dying? And gay marriage is being elevated....the poor are suffering even more...aren't these things that concern God? Of course they are! But we need to look at the example Christ gave in changing the hearts of people ...not changing the government and trying to force our views on others through worldly laws. That obviously does not work. Why should God bless us with a godly leader when we act like wolves towards each other and our neighbors? We need to be asking ourselves, since God appoints our leaders...why did He appoint this President for us? And look at our own behavior. THAT is what causes me to tremble. We need desperately to actually follow Jesus example on He dealt with things considering the ruling government he was under. We are not following his example at all!
Coffman, that I quoted above has many wise words to say about Romans 13 that I think people should study as he explains in great detail how things were at the time of Christ and how Jesus handled it: http://www.studylight.org/com/bcc/view.cgi?book=ro&chapter=013
Sorry this is so long.
God bless you Joe!
Chris & Lori Kinder | Nov 7, 2012
Love, love, love . . . we're right there with you Joe!
Rocky Roberts | Nov 7, 2012
Thank you Joe. Great encouragement and exhortation.
Caryn LeMur | Nov 7, 2012
Joe and Julie: well said and written.
We do have a need to mourn, for we are human. We do have a need to celebrate, for we are human. If we are to follow the example of Christ, then we are indeed leaven and not dynamite.
I only wish to add, "For where your treasure is, there is your heart also." Mourning or celebration is heart-revealing. May we focus on laying up treasure in heaven, especially per Matt 25, parable of the sheep and goats.
Much love in Christ always and unconditionally; Caryn
Dawn Pantle | Nov 7, 2012
Thank you so much for this today. I really needed to read this. For I also am tearful today and afraid for our country's future. As always though God first in all things.
Judith Robl | Nov 7, 2012
Thank you for this transparent look at your heart. It echoes much of my own feelings today.
Candice Hendrix | Nov 10, 2012
Hi Joe,
So often I want to leave a remark that says, this was the best post ever! Once again.... I think you hit the mark squarely!
"I’m also obliged to disagree when conscience demands it, with clarity and without rancor. More than ever I’m aware of my responsibility to speak up, and as God grants opportunity I’ll do so. But I’ll speak up as a grown up, without sarcasm or wrath. My voice, like yours, is needed. But the world will do just fine without my attitude.
"And I’m obliged to know and function within my role in the Body of Christ. When Paul described God’s gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, he noted they were given ---not for the reformation of the culture, but for the building up of the saints and the edifying of the Church. (Ephesians 4:11-16) My primary allegiance after all is to Him, and my citizenship is in heaven, evidenced largely by my communion with the saints and my commitment to His church."
Sooooo WELL SAID! (as usual) My husband got my attention the day after when he suggested the Lord may be coming sooner than we think. With hope in my heart I prayed that He would increase my boldness as the Day draws near.
May God continue to bring many to the understanding of True Truth in love that you so ably communicate in your columns.
apronheadlilly | Nov 12, 2012
Good word.
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