A Post-Election Reflection

Well, it's over and Barack Obama is America's 44th President elect. We have had the opportunity to do what many in the world wish they could do -- elect a president through a democratic method without violence. We also anticipate a peaceful transition in leadership in our country.

It is time to put the united back in the United States. As followers of Christ, we do recognize that we have some major differences with President Elect Obama on issues regarding pro-life, and the fundamental make up of the family as God designed it. The violation of these Biblical principles will result in the further disintegration of society because it is impossible to build on a defective foundation.

These are not merely issues with which to experiment. This necessitates our ability to intelligently, coherently, and with love and compassion articulate why the sanctity of life and marriage are critical issues. It means that we must help change people's hearts on these issues rather than merely relying on government to do it for us. We need to remember that just because something is no longer listed as a crime, does not mean it isn't a sin against a Holy God who created us and this world. Just for the record, it is important to note that there are also issues on which we would agree with President Elect, Barack Obama.

So where do we go from here as followers of Christ? Here are five commitments which we need to make. (Note: I borrowed the first four on the list from Michael Hyatt - you can read his full blog here)

1. I will pray for him and our country.

2. I will assume his motives are good, giving him the benefit of the doubt.

3. I will not speak ill of him, even if I don’t always agree with him.

4. I will cast off the spirit of cynicism, and be a positive force for good. (Note: good post on cynicism if you want to follow that link)

5. I will study and develop and live a Christian world view so that I will be better able to articulate and represent Jesus Christ to my world.

Prayer is important because we are instructed to pray for our leaders and Barack Obama is facing some very challenges issues regarding the economy, health care, environmental issues, foreign policy, etc. He is going to have to make, and has already gone on record that he intends to make, decisions about issues which he has declared "above his pay grade."

Let's take this opportunity to model to our world how a Citizen of Heaven conducts himself or herself as a citizen of the United States of America.