Obeying God-How We Speak of Our Elected Rulers

I was, (still am) so excited to write today, regardless of who you voted for President, vice, or any of the propositions, we must keep in mind that we serve a GOD that is greater than any law of the land, of any other human, and greater than any other propositon. My thoughts where to write about how I feel with the results, and even how I came to some of the decisions that I made. Then I got this email from a friend, and I knew that it had to be shared....


He removes kings and raises up kings; Daniel 2:21 (NKJV)

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. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2 (NKJV)

Okay, it’s November 5th and we have voted for our next president here in the United States. At least half of the nation will be upset at the time of this writing while the other half is celebrating the victory of their candidate.

In either case, there will be continued voting going on over the next several days, weeks, months, and even years. I’m not speaking of the votes cast for the president or any other candidate or proposition for that matter; I am speaking of the votes cast by those who will be watching every Christian that they know of. They will be voting on whether they believe in what you have been preaching or sharing for the last few years. And they will be voting on how well you have lived what you have preached.

What will come out of your mouth if the person that was elected or the proposition that was passed does not line up with the choice that you selected on voting day?

Will it edify, or tear down. Will it speak evil of the winning person, or will it showcase the respect deserved of the office with which they now occupy?

According to the Scripture above, we can plainly see that God has a role in those who get elected. He has a clear plan for each situation, even when we don’t agree or see clearly any possible good that may come of it. That’s why He is God. God spoke to Moses and gave clear instructions about how we are to treat those who lead us:

“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people. Exodus 22:28 (NKJV)

The Apostle Paul spoke to us very clearly as well, when he quoted this passage in the book of Acts.

‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ” Acts 23:5 (NKJV)

And he went on in the book of 1 Timothy to tell us how we were to conduct ourselves as Christians towards those who are in the position of leadership.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)

Maybe those who hold elected office are not people of God, and maybe they don’t hold the same opinion of those who call themselves Christians, but that does not negate the fact that God has called us to lift up and pray for those who hold those positions. We are just as much at test during these times as those officials. As Christians, we supposedly know better, and we have a blessed hope in our future because we know that God is in control. So why would we act in any other way than to live Christ and to serve and respect the rulers that have been put in charge of us.

I am not telling you to imitate or condone the immoral actions of these leaders, because there are many who have defiled the office that they hold. I am simply saying that after you have done everything within your legal capabilities with respect to voting for your perspective candidate, even if it means voting for the lesser of two evils, you now have a command from God to move forward and to abide by His will. Treat those in office with respect and honor, and pray for them continually. This is your Christian duty, and it is God’s perfect will for you in this situation. To do less than this is no better than what you are condemning in that person that you speak evil of.

We are to submit to the leadership and obey them unless what they are asking is in violation of what God has commanded us. If our Christian convictions do not permit compliance, then we should accept the consequences of such refusal.

This is the way our Christian forefathers lived for Christ, and this is the example that the Word of God has given us.

I want to encourage you today to remember that God has a plan for the future. He will use the people that are in office to coincide with His plans so that all will know that He is God, and will have a chance to decide to accept or decline the offer of salvation prior to His return. I feel that there is a change on the horizon, and it is called the rapture…

STUDY QUESTION: What confidence can we gain from Romans 13:1-2?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to pray for and submit to the leaders appointed over you?

APPLICATION: Seek God and His will with respects to your conversations regarding those in office. Find a way to turn negative conversations into positive ones. When the conversations turn negative, suggest praying for the person being spoken of.

Father, Thank You that we live in a country that allows us to exercise our freedom in casting a vote. Thank You that You have a plan for every situation, and that we can place our confidence in Your perfect plan regardless of what we see with our eyes. May we remember this each time we are tempted to doubt the future because of any specific person in office. Help me be the Christian that You have called me to be so that I may lead by example when I am tempted to criticize. In Jesus precious name, amen…

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott