Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:20-21
A presidency doesn’t dictate the praise and life of a Christian. In fact, the well being and life of the people of God does not depend on Pennsylvania Ave nor any other other worldly authority. A Christian’s well being is exclusively dependent upon the One they praise. The One we praise is enthroned forever, and the kings and kingdoms of this world are established on His terms and His timing. This is the Christians source of hope, strength, and security.
With that said, that doesn’t mean a presidency and the authorities of this world don’t have any impact on the life of a Christian. Certainly a president or governmental authority that has any favor towards the church is a blessing. Public policy and laws definitely can have an impact, good or bad on Christians as well. Elections certainly have consequences, however, so does sin. Imagine if Christians cared about their sanctification as much as they did elections?! I digress.
Deuteronomy 16:18 “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.”
Righteous rule matters the Lord. He places that burden of righteous rule on His people. I know what you may be thinking, how can unrighteousness people rule righteously? Consider this verse. Even if we are unable to place righteous people in places of leadership, the Lord still holds the heart of every king. Perhaps, this is why the Lord was able to use Cyrus in his day.
Whatever the result of the election may be this year, don’t let your praise be tied to the outcome of a presidency. Be known as a prophet greater than a patriot. Yes, one must be less than the other. That does not mean you can’t be a patriot, it just means you need to know who your patriotism bows down to. It also means that your patriotism portrays your citizenship in heaven, and not contingent on the imperfect polity of man.
So, vote. Sure. Vote as Holy Spirit leads you. He will never lead out to a decision that goes against His Word.
Whatever the outcome is though, you have a responsibility. Pray for your president and pray for you leaders. Pray to the One who established their leadership and Who knows the purpose of their leadership in the history of our terrestrial existence as well for the purposes of eternity.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
2 Timothy 2:1-2
The president get’s my prayer not my praise. Praise is reserved for God alone. Whatever happens. Be Christian. Demonstrate the Word of God with your life. Trust the words of Scripture when it comes to earthly leaders.
May the world and the leaders of it see Jesus in my life in how I live before them and serve the Lord with my life.
Lastly…If you can go to a rally…you can go to church. If you can vote…you can go to church. Get back in the Worship HOUSE. Your voice goes further there than in the booth on Tuesday. I love you.
Nate Staton 