Rom 13:1 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. (NIV)
February is a month full of wonderful events. Black History Month, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day and the well awaited—Superbowl. Superbowl LII, that’s 52, was won by the Philadelphia Eagles for the first time in NFL franchise history on February 4th, 2018! As customary, the sitting President congratulates the team and invites them to the White House. Before the big game, several players like Malcolm Jenkins reported to CNN during an interview that he would not be attending the presidential celebration in boycott to the current administration. During the national anthem he and other players raised their fist aka “the black fist” in passive protest to the discrimination shown against African Americans. According to an interview with Torrey Smith, it is not in protest to the anthem -it is a protest during the anthem. Jenkins, like many others in support of these NFL players, want to see additional changes in the criminal justice system as well as” educational and economical advancement” of minorities. The U.S. has had a history of athletes that have protested in similar ways for similar reasons. Muhammad Ali refused to go to Vietnam War in 1967 for religious reasons and for freedom and equality at home, Tommie Smith and John Carlos protested the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968 because of discrimination against African Americans and Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem in protest to police brutality against African Americans and other minorities in 2016. Overall, they all have in common, spoken in respect.
Yet the response from President Trump has been no less than incendiary, referring to these athletes with expletives and calling them “disrespectful” to the flag, the anthem and the country.” How do you feel about it? Are you like other people across this country saying, “He’s not my President” or are you in radical or reasonable agreement to his statements. As the 45th P.O.T.U.S. (President of the United States), some refer to him as simply “#45” due to his stance on immigration laws, Russian collusion, lack of aid to Puerto Rico, not showing tax returns, misconceptions & lies, hate/bullying speech against- minorities, women and the physically challenged, etc. It can be a real challenge to be and especially remain virtuous in these times. As a Christian, you may feel “right” to become repugnant towards the newest Commander in Chief-being a subject or spectator of his vocalizations, I relate.
But wait a political minute sis, whether you agree with him or not…
Concern (C): Have you considered what God thinks/says about your (un)righteous response towards authority and leadership? (I Pet 2:17) Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. Christ always showed proper respect towards Caesar and Pilate for He always first respected God. And if you do agree with the President have you shown love for your fellowman that do not.
Encouragement (E): You are an ambassador of Christ (2 Cor 5:20). You are are a leader! We are not to be so concerned with civilian affairs that we idolize politics over our position! (2 Tim 2:4) Do not trade the temporal for the eternal, sister-please God. On Facebook, Instagram whatever social media outlet you use, we need to remember and remind/rebuke our fellowship of believers not to stoop down to any worldly level for the sake of the lofty price we were bought for. People are reading but God is watching. “Add to our faith virtue” (2 Pet 1:1-8). Virtue means goodness, kindness, high-mindedness and incorruptibility. You are not politically passive when spiritually active in submission-to the Lord! Trust God with all authority because (Prov 21:1)” In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” Jesus has all authority. Our focus should be on him and to go, make, teach disciples to obey all he commands. (Matt 28:18-20) That’s our Highest Commander in Chief!
Act (A): So You want to truly ACT. Then the Bible says to pray for our leaders.(1 Tim 2:1-2) so that we may lead “tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.” Desire most to be at that heavenly party where donkeys and elephants don’t matter. The last commission on authority in Matt 28:18-20 came from Jesus who bestowed on us his authority to go and make disciples. That is our focus, our voice, our stance. Pray for Trump, yes President Trump and all leaders around the world to be saved. Also pray for peace, pray for love and pray for unity. Still hard? Then sister, pray for your heart.
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