Moving Past the Politics
By Shelly Schumacher
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God.”
Romans 13:1
Can you imagine having the power of the President? Can you fathom having the ability to pass or veto laws with the stroke of your pen, or declare war with the nod of your head? From the outside, it might seem the man (or perhaps, someday, woman) who rules the free world holds infinite power. However, with his seemingly infinite power comes immeasurable responsibility.By Shelly Schumacher
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God.”
Romans 13:1
When a President takes the Oath of Office, he typically recites the following:
“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President ofIn essence, as President, he is the CEO of the most powerful company in the world. And as such, the task of running our nation’s business rests squarely on his shoulders.
the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and
defend the constitution of the United States, so help me God.”
Therefore, when things happen in our country, the finger is quickly pointed in the President’s direction. We are quick to condemn him when things go wrong and give him the credit when times are running smoothly—we often forget that he is just a man. And, like any other man, he has fears, worries, hurts and hang-ups. He, like the rest of us, is a sinner who needs the Savior. He, like the rest of us, needs prayer.
How different would our nation look if everyone prayed for our President—remembering that his leadership was predestined by the Most High? How different would our government be if we moved past politics and realized that his position is part of God’s plan for this nation? And, how different would our lives be if, instead of fighting the power he holds, we submitted to his authority in all that is consistent with God’s ways?
Take some time today to pray for our President. Put aside politics and remember that he is just a man who needs your prayer.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Make a list of the responsibilities our President holds. Take a few moments everyday to pray for God’s wisdom as he takes on the jobs you have listed.
2. Pray for our President not just as the leader of the free world, but also as a man who needs to rely on the Savior.
FURTHER READING:
Acts 2:41; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 3:12; Daniel 2:21
Shelly is wife to Nick and mom to her two girls. She spends her time freelancing as a writer/PR professional, and is active in Oakwood's worship and drama ministries.
