Why We Should Respect Our Political Authorities

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Do you remember that saying? It was popular when I was growing up, but it seems today’s society has forgotten to concentrate on the good in people, rather than the bad.

I am tired of the scathing anti-Trump messages I see on Facebook or receive through email, as well as venomous attacks on anyone who supports the President. It’s apparent that many believers are forgetting numerous biblical truths in their lives like:

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God” (Romans 13:1).

Like them or not, the elected officials are God’s people and the Creator of the Universe is going to use them to accomplish His purposes.

Dear brothers and sisters, the LORD is vehemently against hatred and discord. In Galatians 5, these two characteristics are listed alongside sexual immorality, idolatry and witchcraft as “act of the flesh.”

Do we believe the Bible, or don’t we?

And as other parts of the world watch our country’s ever-widening chasm, instead of strength and unity, we project weakness. Is that the image we want to demonstrate? Close friends now divided because of political differences? Political protests. Talk show hosts using their platforms to not just poke fun at, but to make vicious attacks on the country’s highest office? Mark 3:24 warns, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”

So let’s go back to respecting each other’s political beliefs. Let’s honors those in authority, even if we don’t agree with their ways. Let’s return to patriotism for a country that was founded on God’s principles and established so that we might have freedom.

Let’s do politics God’s way.