Revelations 17:14 (NIV)
14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Over the past several months, the Holy Spirit has graciously been revealing to me how easy it is for me to lose God’s perspective on life and his creation so that I forget that he is the One and Only Sovereign King. I say this because tomorrow is our (us Americans) day to elect our President for the next four years, and God has recently challenged me to repent of my worldly ways.
Experiencing a culture shock during my full week cruise to the beautiful Bahamian islands had paralyzed me for about a week upon my return. With God’s help, I have been processing what I had experienced. I realized how privileged and rich I am to live in a country that does so much to take care of its citizens. Yes, the country and its leaders are not perfect, but wow I am living off the Social Security tax that my government had collected from me so many years ago. God called me to repent so I showed my gratitude for being an American by voting.
Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Throughout the past week, my sisters in Christ and I have been praying for our nation and for our hearts to be focused on God’s will and on the advancement of his kingdom. As I explained my motivation to each of them behind my prayer requests, the Holy Spirit once again revealed the sinful nature of my heart. Despite being a law-abiding citizen, I have failed to show respect and honor to those in positions of authority. Due to disagreements with some decisions that past presidents or elected officials have made, I have held onto hatred in my heart towards them. I have internally criticized and belittled these public figures, labeling them in my mind as foolish and unworthy of my respect. In doing so, I have neglected to acknowledge my own shortcomings as a sinner who constantly falls short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). I am so grateful that my Lord Jesus has forgiven me of this transgression. Given the intensity of this struggle, I humbly ask for prayers that my heart will consistently demonstrate grace and reverence towards whoever God appoints to govern our nation, even when our perspectives, policies, or lifestyles may differ.
I believe with all my heart that God has supreme authority over all things. He is the one who is in complete control over all events in our lives and in the entire universe. No one becomes a leader unless God has already ordained it to be so. God grants us the freedom to choose and decide who we acknowledge as our ultimate King and Lord. May each of us consistently submit to God’s will for us so that we may always bring him glory. Amen!
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