I wrote the following today for our local community newspaper. It will be published this Thursday. It was good to write it today when I don't actually know who our next president will be. That way I can be more certain that I wrote it with the right attitude. I probably wrote this more for myself, than anyone else:

As I write this, I have no idea who the next president of the United States will be. But I know that no matter what happens, someone is going to be disappointed. And the answer to this question is the same whether your candidate was elected or not.

First, don?t worry. No matter what happens Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The guy you voted for may not be in the oval office for the next four years. But in the vast scheme of things, it?s only a blip in time. Remember that God is in control of all of history.

Second, if your man wins, don?t gloat or rub it in the face of others. Remember those who vote differently than you are still your neighbors.

Third, remember that the new president, whoever he is, should be respected and honored.

?Submit yourselves for the Lord?s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to the governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ?Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone; Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king? (I Peter 2:13-14, 16-17).

We show we are Christians by how we respond when things don?t go our way. We must continue to be good citizens and give the office of president respect, no matter who holds it.

The Apostle Paul echoes the words of Peter.

?Everyone must submit himself to the governing authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves? Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God?s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him; If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor? (Romans 13:1-3, 5-7)

When Paul and Peter spoke of Government being a servant of God, their ruler was Caesar! The government was pagan, and not at all friendly to Christianity. Yet, as Christians, we are to respect authority as a sign that we know where all authority ultimately comes from. Will you join me in committing to pray for our President, no matter who he may be? Let?s pray that he will govern wisely and justly. Let?s pray that he will resist political pressure and do what is right. Let?s pray for his health, his family and his well-being.

Finally, remember that all human government is ultimately temporary.

?All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations? (Psalm 22:27-28).

?The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations? (Psalm 33:10-11).

And don?t worry. No government or nation can thwart God?s purposes. In Him alone do we trust.