This year's election will go down in the history books, one way or another. Neither candidate seems to be the best fit as the future leader of our country, but these are the options we have at this point. Of course, there is controversy all over this subject, including the option for write-ins and third-party candidates. So for simplicity sake, I won't go into all of that. Let's just talk about the current, sometimes referred to as comical, presidential election of 2016.
From a conservative Christian perspective, neither Hillary or Trump fit the bill perfectly of who we would want to lead our country. So who do we choose? A lot of people seem to have an issue with picking "the less of two evils" because they feel like they would still be morally wrong to vote for such a person. Here's my issue with this. We are all sinners. I don't "deserve" to be president, and neither do you, if we're going by who is "less evil." We all screw up and make mistakes. Does that justify the actions of Mr. Trump or Mrs. Clinton? Absolutely not. That would be abusing grace. Now I am not God, and therefore, I do now know the hearts of either candidate. I don't know if they've made Jesus Christ their savior or if they "practice" any religion at all. I know what they do or don't claim to believe, but they are politicians, they like to lie for votes.
Regardless of who is a "better person", neither individual is perfect. NEWS FLASH: no perfect person will ever run for presidency because no one is perfect. So don't expect them to be. I won't tell you who to vote for, because ultimately that is up to you and my opinion won't matter. However, what I will tell you is this. Regardless of who is elected into office, we have a responsibility to care.
We are supposed to respect those that are over us. Whether we like it or not, it's biblical. Romans 13:1-7 talks about the relationship between people and their governing authorities. The first verse starts off by clearly stating, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities." Even if we don't like the person that is elected, we have to show respect to them. Don't bash them and talk down about them. Don't be hateful; that's not speaking in a godly manner. We don't have to like them, but we have to love them. Also, we are called to pray for them.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 says, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Instead of complaining about the election and bad mouthing it, which isn't going to do any good by the way, let's commit to praying for our leaders now and in the future. Pray that they will lead this country well, pray for their safety, pray for wisdom on their part. Pray that if they don't know the Lord, He will soften their heart and they might seek Him. Stand with me and choose to pray for our leaders in this crucial time because prayer is powerful and Lord knows that's about all we can do at this point.
