An Appropriate Response

Okay, I have probably spent too much time reading the post-election comments. I have even formulated and deleted some of my own. We are certainly free to our opinions and even the expression of them. (Not sure for how long.) Sadly, the caustic banter that was engaged in before the election seems to have deepened. I have dozens of thoughts that I would want to share, starting at the most elementary; Don't be a sore loser. (BTW, I lost too.) Instead, I want to share the most non-partisan, unbiased perspective of all, the Bible. The worst part about that is that, well, it comes down hardest on those that say they believe the Bible.

• Don't complain...Philippians 2:14, 15  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 
• Don't engage in "mud-slinging"...Romans 12:17  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 
• Pray for the leadership of America...I Timothy 2:1, 2  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
• Trust God...Psalm 25:2  O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. I have to comment here because all to many times we are quick to trust Him when it seems to be easy. That's really not trust. That is taking for granted. 

Notice how in each of the passages, our response directly affects the people around us because of the testimony of our living. We are forgetting a great truth. We ought to be letting our light shine so that others will see the difference in us and thereby see and glorify God. As is usually the case, we are fretting over things we cannot change. God never changes. Trust Him. Trust Him for today. Trust Him for the next four years. Trust Him for eternity. I have much to work on with this one, but it is the appropriate Perspective. 

I wish to leave you today with a prayer that has circulated on my Facebook page:

Lord, please be with our President. Give him guidance, wisdom, & direction as he leads our nation for the next four years. May he turn his heart to you. 

Nothing is too hard for You, as You have proven over and over throughout history. Bring revival to our country. Stir up our churches.

Jesus, before I try wishing for Mr. Obama to be what I want him to be, please start with me, and make me who I ought to be and the man, American, & most importantly, the Christian You want me to be. Amen. ~Mike Thompson~