A Christian Response to the Election of Barack Obama

As a theologically conservative Christian, I was not able to vote for Barack Obama in the Presidential election. Obama' views on abortion and gay rights made voting for him an impossibility for me and millions of other Christians (Catholic, Protestant, etc...)

While I could not vote for Obama, he has been elected President of the United States, and as a Christian I know that his election is ordained by God for His purposes. St. Paul wrote this about our relation ship to those whom God has placed to rule over us, "Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake." (Rom. 13:1-5)

When Paul wrote these words Nero Caesar was leader of the Roman world in which lived. No, I'm not comparing Barack to Nero. But if the Apostle Paul could say these things to Christians about an evil ruler like Nero, than certainly it is true of all rulers, including American presidents.

In Paul's letter to Timothy we read, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." It's the duty of American Christians to lift him up in prayer.

I believe that Obama will work support issues (abortion and gay rights) that I believe to be evil. We, as Christians, can not approve of such actions, but Christians can and should pray for him and his presidency so "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." Paul goes on to say, "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth."

We need to pray for Barack Obama and all others who are in authority over us. We need to pray for him to our Lord about how he governs ans we need to pray for his soul as well.

Coram Deo,
Kenith