Onward and Upward...

I Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Isn't it interesting that every four years Christians give great credence to this verse? But while we recite it regularly in November, do we practice it in July? And what if we did, what difference would it make?

It's easy to pray for a leader who seemingly represents your own worldview but much more challenging when you fundamentally disagree with the leader God has put in place.

Here's some verses that help me along this path of healing and obedience:

The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1.
I love this verse as it clearly demonstrates that God is sovereign and will use whoever in whatever position to accomplish his will.

Place yourselves under the authority of human governments to please the Lord. Obey the emperor. He holds the highest position of authority. (1 Peter 2:13, God's word translation).
We as Christians have the choice to place ourselves under government's authority and the end result?... we please Him! What better motivation is needed?

Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God. Romans 13:1.
This gives more comfort to those of us questioning the future direction of our country. God is in control and has already sifted tomorrow through his hands. And as long as it is morally sound to do so, we are to obey the laws of our government.

One last thought...even with all its faults, we still live in the most free and most prosperous country ever known to man. Although we may not agree with the implemented policies, we have the right to dissent, debate and even protest. In fact, it's interesting to consider that our country was founded on dissention.

But as Christians we must not be frivolous in our protest. We should always hold our leaders to account, but we must not become just another noisy voice in the airways of dissention. Our voice must hold the clear and distinct conviction of God's principles which will ultimately guide our country's worn rudder back on its original course of being "that shining city on a hill".