Articles
“Pondering President's Day”
School-aged children and many employees will enjoy a day off of school or work tomorrow in celebration of President's Day, a Federal holiday that falls between the birthdays of the two most famous, noteworthy leaders of the United States. There is a lot of interesting things that one can learn about Presidents Washington and Lincoln that are entertaining, educational, and inspirational. But thinking about "President's Day" provides an opportunity for Christians to ponder four valuable spiritual lessons.
First, the Bible instructs us to have appropriate respect for our leaders. Peter wrote, "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king... or to governors... for this is the will of God" (I Peter 2:13-14). Paul also wrote, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1). In short, whether we agree with the decisions of our leaders or agree with their lifestyles and choices, we should respect our leaders. God doesn't ask us to agree or to "like" them or their polices, but He does want us to give honor where honor is due.
Second, it is important for us to remind ourselves (as children of God) that right is always right. Truth is solid and unwavering. Even when others want to change what is wrong and make it "right," including legislatures, presidents, and judges, we, as saints, have to have the courage to still see things as God sees them.
The prophet condemned calling evil good and good evil 2,700 years ago and God condemns the same today (Isaiah 5:20). While we respect our rulers and honor them as we're told, we must not and can not allow them to tell us what's right and wrong when God has already done so.
Third, a conversation about civics and politics reminds us that we have dual citizenship. We generally count it a blessing to be a citizen of the United States. Rightly so. We are very fortunate to have the freedoms we enjoy! At the same time, we are MORE fortunate to be citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). As a result of our dual citizenship, we must be careful to keep the appropriate, Christian, spiritually-based perspective that helps us see the world in the same way as our Lord.
Finally, let's remember that, while kingdoms of earth come and go, the Kingdom of our Creator is eternal. Long before Jesus came to the earth to die for the sins of man, God's great prophets told of His coming and how His Kingdom would be superior to all man-made governments (Daniel 2:4). In John 18:36, our Savior stated that His kingdom wasn't a worldly one and in dying, He provided for the welfare of all humanity in far superior ways than any political government today or ever.
Given that many will have tomorrow off from work, let's be reminded of the promises of God, our place in this world, and His eternal plan for those who ever strive to serve Him.
