NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER!

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL)

Now that our country's ( USA) election is over, as Christians, who do we pray for ? What do we pray for ? And most importantly, do we pray that God will remove the unjust political officials, both the newly elected and the well established ?

We should pray for the winners and losers alike. However, most importantly, we must pray that those individuals winning the elections ( Acts 5:39 ) will turn to God's Holy guidance in all aspects of their duties. ( John 19:10- 11 )

Nonetheless, what if those now in authority fail to seek God's instructions ? Is it wrong to pray that God remove someone holding public office, for not obeying God's providential laws. ( Romans 8:7) ( 1 Peter 4:17 )When ask this question, a well know Christian minister stated that we should pray that God changes that individual. And if the person fails to change, in accordance with God's perfect will, we then should pray that God remove that person from the office held.( 1 Cor 4:1 ) ( 1 Cor 10:24 )

We hear a lot these days, from Christians wanting to see more of God's Old Testament justice, such as was displayed in ( 1 Samuel 15:10-17 )

However, the God of the OT is also the God of the NT. ( 2 Peter 1:5-12 ) And, we, as Christians, should continue to stand for what is right, in God's eyes. ( Hebrews 13:6 )

We should not speak evil of our leaders, ( 1 Peter 2:10 ) as we should spend our energy in prayer rather than speaking evil of them. ( Titus 3:1-2 ) ( Proverbs 16:27 )( 1 Peter 2:13, 15,17 )

Conversely, what do we do if after we have committed our leaders to prayer, and they continue to reject God's principles ? ( Matthew 24:12 ) Stand firm in the faith ( Hebrews 11:1 ) and continue to be a good witness for Jesus Christ. ( 1 Peter 4:14-15 ) You've done your part, ( John 16:2 ) now it's time for God to take action.

You see, there is no power but God. Satan even received his power from God, at the time he was perfect in heaven. But evil took hold of Satan ( Ezek 28:11-15 ) And we now are at battle against Satan and his minions .( Ephesians 6:12 ) ( Romans 13:2 ) These spiritual powers are now hard at work influencing human governments, more than ever before in the history of civilization. ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5 )

Please bear in mind, God is still in control of the universe, including governments. There can be NO power, of ANY government,( Isaiah 45:5-6 )( Isaiah 45:51 ) except what God allows. ( Romans 13:1, ( James 4:12 ) Guess what, I've read the back of the book, and we win.( Revelation 16:13-14 ) ( Revelation 21:1-21) .

Before a person places his faith in the Savior, he is spiritually dead, and in fact, an enemy of God. (Ephesians. 2:1-3) ( Romans. 5:10) But the moment someone chooses to trust in Jesus Christ, his sins are wiped away, and he is adopted into God's family. That individual is immediately set apart as a child of God, with a sacred purpose. ( Romans 13:1 )

God hates rebellion of any kind. Especially, those that are in authority over us. (I Samuel 15:23 ) ( Isaiah 30:1) (Isaiah 63:10)! He hates the attitude of lawlessness it produces, as well as the crop of wicked fruit that results from it.

Obviously, I don't know anyone's heart. I just pray that all public officials believe in Christ Jesus. That is that their sin have been taken away by the blood of Christ. However, the Bible tells us that, as Christians, we all should be "fruit inspectors" . ( John 15:8 ) (Matthew 7:16 )

One rotten apple, in a barrel of good ones, is easy to find. Just follow your nose. So, put your nose to the test, where our elected officials are concerned. Countries were founded on God's principles and not those " man made" laws or those "special interest" laws we see today. ( Ex. 18:16, 20:3,) ( Dt. 10:20,) (Psalms. 83:18, 91:2 ), ( Isaiah. 9:6-7) ,( Daniel. 4:32 ) ( Acts 5:29,) (1 Tim. 6:15 )

We, as true followers of Christ, must take a stand for the truths of the gospel. And it's not too late to change the world, It doesn't matter how discouraged you may be, God is still on the throne. ( Jeremiah 29:11 )

The Apostle Paul thought a lot of his young Christian fellow worker, Timothy. ( 1 Timothy 1:2 ) So, let us follow in Paul's footsteps and learn as did Timothy, from Paul's expert advice. ( 1 Timothy 1:3-11 ) ( 1 Timothy 5:17"25 ) ( 1 Timothy 6:1-2) ( 1 Timothy 4:3-5 )

There are many other scriptures, that give us good guidance, as to how we Christian should address the issue of our elected officials. ( 1 Cor 15:33 ) Just start with the first book of the Bible. For we see in (Genesis 3:1-7 ) Satan's persuasion caused our first parents to sin, consequently we all are now born in sin. ( Romans 3:23 ). This includes our elected officials.

The "Ten Commandments" ( Exodus 20:2-17 ) continues to guide our direction. Then work forward through both the old and new testaments.. ( Proverbs 3:5-6 ) ( Matthew 15:17-19 ) ( Ephesians 6:5-8 ) ( 1 Thess 3:1-2 ) ( 2 Cor 7:1 ) ( Ephesians 5:11 )

Yes, God expects us Christians to be good stewards. ( 1 Peter 1:10 )( Colossians 3:23 ) ( 1 Cor 4:2 ) ( Matthew 25:20-21 ) ( 1 John 2:15-17 ) ( Galatians 6:10 ) ( 2 Timothy 2: 15 )

And this stewardship is based on God's two part grace. First, we have God's grace in salving us. ( Ephesians 2:8-9 )

Second, we have God's grace in keeping us. ( John 1:17 ) It is this Holy living that exemplifies exercising our free choice of government. A government of Godly men and women, who hold up the principles of Christ Jesus. ( Romans 12:3 ) ( 1 Peter 5:5-6 )

However, please remember, as Christians we are to submit to the authority over us and pray for our leaders. ( Romans 13:1-7 ) ( Titus 3:1 ) ( Hebrews13:7 ) (Romans 12:17 ) ( 1 Timothy 6:1-21 ) Godly authority that is.

There are two ways of looking at authority. The first is brought on by Satan and it's called rebellion. When one confirms not to care what God says but do their own thing that's called rebellion. That's what gets nations in trouble. ( James 4: 7) ( Ephesians 4:26-27 ) ( Ephesians 6:6 ) ( 1 Peter 5:8-9 ) ( 2 Thess 1:8 )

On the other hand, when a person obeys God, that person is living a life of obedience. ( Exodus 23:25-27 ) ( John 14:15 ) ( Luke 11:28 ) ( Psalm 119:9 ) ( Galatians 3:6 ) And your governmental choice will count in the end. ,

If all dedicated Christians would hold their elected officials accountable for their deeds. then the issue of whether or not God should remove an unjust public servant would become a mute point. ( Revelation 8:4 ) ( 1 Cor 14:33)

Amen !