To all those who are still trying to process/come-to-terms-with/understand/ and to those who are triumphant that Donald Trump is now the 45th president of the United States of America consider the following...
Recently, I have become fed up with mediocrity and came to the realization that whatever I am going to do I am going to do with intention and meaning. If I am truly a Christian, then all other allegiances fall subject to that and should fall in line with principles outlined in the Bible - that includes my political beliefs and feelings.
Oftentimes, I've realized that people (hint, hint: me!) attach their emotions and personal feelings to political, social, and cultural issues. While it is totally natural for us to do so, attaching the wrong kind or too much of any emotion can skew our judgment, cause us to say regretful things, and even demolish relationships. I was reminded of a sermon I heard earlier this year that had some great principles on a Christians overall relationship to politics.
Biblical Principles on Political Change
- Don't get caught up in political Parties - Daniel 5:6 NIV
(1) "King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them... (5) Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace... (11) There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods... (12) Call for Daniel."
During the political festivities and events, where were Daniel and his three Hebrew friends? Not there. Why? Because they understood that their citizenship was in the kingdom of heaven and not the whatever earthly kingdom they happened to be living in. There are faults with all political affliations, none are fautless. A Christian's identity and sense of allegience must first be to the Kingdom of God before heralding the beleifs of any political party.2. Don't compromise - Daniel 6
I know this quote is used quite often but it is so pertinant. (Have you observed that oftentime the most used quotes are practiced the least?)
"The greatest want of the world is the want of men - men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall." - Ellen White
No comment necessary
3. Study the Word - Daniel 9:2 NIV
"In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures..."
Basically, if you're a Christian be a Christian. With whatever party you ascribe to, clearly, define the tenants that you agree with and those that you don't. The Bible should be the litmus test for all your beliefs including your political ones.
4. Pray - Daniel 6:10 NIV
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. "
Talk to God in a frank and genuine way. Talk to Him about what is frustrating you in the political sector. Ask Him for guidance concerning the side that you should take on current issues. Most of all, ask Him to impart His spirit to you so that you will react in the manner that Jesus would were he in your shoes.
5. Trust God's Hand - Daniel 5:5,18 NIV
"Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. (18) Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor."
God is control, fullstop. In case that statement was not explicit enough, let me have Brother Martin break it down:
"The God whom we worship is not a weak and incompetent God. God is able to beat back gigantic waves of opposition and to bring low prodigious mountains of evil. This ringing testimony of the Christian faith is that God is able... God's control is never usurped. If at times we despair because of the relatively slow progress being made in ending racial discrimination, let us gain new heart in the fact that God is able." - God Is Able, A Sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
So, no, do not hope that President Trump is impeached, assassinated, or anything that you wouldn't wish on say... President Obama. Do I agree with many of his policies, absolutely not. Do I like him as a president (or even as a person)? Not even remotely closely! But because I believe that God sets up kings and because I am exhorted to pray for the kings that God has ordained, I will pray for him and give him the respect that he deserves.
Yes, Donald trump is the president and I will refer to him as such.
Ultimately, despite my personal political inclinations or preferences, I must remember that my eternal citizenship belongs in the Kingdom of Heaven and my inferior temporal citizenship must align with my eternal interests.
And regardless of President Tump's ever increasing aggravating antics, I will not demote to his level. I will be the bigger person.
Here's a cute meme to lighten the mood:
What are your thoughts? Let me know, I'm open for discussion!
No comments:
Post a Comment