Most anyone reading this is at least somewhat familiar with the present elections taking place in America. Each, with your own opinion, knows what’s at stake with the outcome. Many, if not most, are consumed with the much anticipated results as they are postured to either rejoice or anguish over them. Key issues appear to hang in the balance as all wait on the unknown. Yet, what if we who are truly following Jesus would take our eyes off of the potential outcomes and place them on God’s good purpose in all this. This would mean setting aside our own emotions, thoughts, and desires (our own will) to pray that God’s will would be done! Maybe, according to God’s purpose things may go in a direction far different than we desire or would agree with.
Therefore, I am sure Daniel did not wish to be thrown into the lion’s den, but because he was an obedient servant to follow God’s will he was in fact thrown in with the lions. Paul did not wish to be stoned, persecuted, thrown in prison, or beheaded; however, it was all worth it for him, as an obedient servant, because he lived according to God’s will and not his own. I could go on and on with examples, but I am sure you all get the point. We are not in this world to seek fulfillment of our own desires, no matter how noble they may seem. Instead, true followers of Christ are here in this world to simply serve the kingdom of heaven, and in doing so we do the will of the Father. That is what is required of us as true citizens of heaven. No matter who the elected or self-appointed leaders are that we live under in this world, the Lord is our King and Ruler and we must serve His kingdom in spite of what we may like or dislike in this world.
The scriptures are full of examples of how God would have us consider and treat those who are appointed in authority over us. “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone —for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all— the testimony that was given at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-6 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” Romans 13:1 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:13-17 “Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work.” Titus 3:1
Therefore, pray for whomever is elected and realize that we serve the kingdom of heaven first, and not the kingdoms of this world. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7 We who are in Christ must stop living as though this world is our home. “For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:16 Instead of praying for God to do things according to our will, we should be in prayer for the things that are according to God’s will. Jesus said, “So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
Therefore, I am sure Daniel did not wish to be thrown into the lion’s den, but because he was an obedient servant to follow God’s will he was in fact thrown in with the lions. Paul did not wish to be stoned, persecuted, thrown in prison, or beheaded; however, it was all worth it for him, as an obedient servant, because he lived according to God’s will and not his own. I could go on and on with examples, but I am sure you all get the point. We are not in this world to seek fulfillment of our own desires, no matter how noble they may seem. Instead, true followers of Christ are here in this world to simply serve the kingdom of heaven, and in doing so we do the will of the Father. That is what is required of us as true citizens of heaven. No matter who the elected or self-appointed leaders are that we live under in this world, the Lord is our King and Ruler and we must serve His kingdom in spite of what we may like or dislike in this world.
The scriptures are full of examples of how God would have us consider and treat those who are appointed in authority over us. “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone —for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all— the testimony that was given at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-6 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” Romans 13:1 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:13-17 “Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work.” Titus 3:1
Therefore, pray for whomever is elected and realize that we serve the kingdom of heaven first, and not the kingdoms of this world. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7 We who are in Christ must stop living as though this world is our home. “For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:16 Instead of praying for God to do things according to our will, we should be in prayer for the things that are according to God’s will. Jesus said, “So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
