davidbowerkingwood

“Americans gaze into their moral mirror”

In an article by Abraham McLaughlin, Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor / January 19, 1999 the Christian Science Monitor discussed the results of a survey of 800 Americans which was commissioned by The Christian Science Monitor and conducted by Technometrica Institute of Policy and Politics (TIPP), based in Oradell, N.J. The subject of the survey was President Clinton’s behavior after the Monica Lewinsky scandal had been revealed.

The article went on to say, “Nearly one-fifth of those surveyed in a nationwide poll said Mr. Clinton’s actions have prompted them to reexamine their own standards. The poll also found this moral mirror-gazing is more common among those who disapprove of the way Clinton is doing his job.”

This election year we are given another opportunity to gaze into the mirror of our moral fiber as a nation; we are given two widely disapproved candidates of questionable moral worthiness for the highest office in the land.

The candidates for the office of President of the United States are, should you read the evaluations provided by the opposing party, more worthy of prison than the White House. Since the epithets being thrown by both parties are such common knowledge I will not repeat them here; I suspect most of us are quite weary of all the mudslinging that has characterized this election cycle.

What is our Responsibility as Christians?

I have never before seen such a polarizing election as this one; emotions are running high as self-appointed spokespersons for this or that cause speak out against what they feel to be the most egregious transgressions of a particular candidate. There appears to be no such thing as a clear choice between the two candidates, no moral high ground as both are equally unacceptable to many.

Is there any stability available to the Christian in this time of political turmoil? I believe there is a stability that can be found in the Bible for those who trust God and believe his word.

What does the Bible have to say about governments and leaders; can we find any comfort in the pages of the Bible as we live through this time of unrest? Should we vote for the lesser of two evils or simply not vote for the office at all; that seems to be the question in the minds of many Christians.

The Bible on Governments and Leaders

I am convinced of the absolute sovereignty of God; I believe God is in complete control of all things and is working all things after the counsel of his own will!

As I study the Bible certain sections of scripture come to my mind first; Daniel 4:17 for example:

¹⁷ For this has been decreed by the messengers;
    it is commanded by the holy ones,
so that everyone may know
    that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world.
He gives them to anyone he chooses—
    even to the lowliest of people.”

In Romans 13:1 this principle is restated when Paul writes:

13 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

I believe those verses make it very clear who is in charge in this matter; it is God who determines who the leaders of government will be, not chance, not cleverness, not popularity, not force, not even the vote!

How then should we apply this principle to the present situation? If God is in complete control, and he is, then what is our responsibility as Christians?

Christian Responsibility

I believe our responsibility as Christians can best be summarized by the verses in Proverbs 3:5-6 where it is written:

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Regarding this election either vote or don’t vote for the office of President as you feel led but above all you should experience no concern that things are out of control; simply know that God is in complete control and is working all things after the counsel of his own will.

The next President of the United States, should there be one, will function as a servant of the Most High God and will be used for the accomplishment of God’s will for this nation. That you can take to the bank!

It would appear to most observers that either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will be sworn in as President of the United States on Friday, January 20, 2017; it is wise, in these volatile times, to remember God is in complete control and may have another plan already in place that excludes both of them.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.