Maybe we would have more peace if expectations of a “politically conservative Christian nation” were not as strong. Our nation has had many years of ecumenical Christian influence prior to the recent season of evangelical politically conservative Christian influence.
Obama is not a heathen because he is not evangelical. You will find the largest number of those that go by the name of Christ are much like him. He has been elected by such. Many are more socially liberal and more tolerant than the social conservatives. It does not make them unchristian or wrong, just different in interpretation of how best to preach the gospel of salvation in Christ.
Someday, Christ promised we would be one – united in Him in Spirit and in truth. We may all be surprised at His definition of truth on that day. Most likely it will not match any of ours in entirety.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to get rid of your enemy is to make a friend out of him.” You have had such a great visibility and impact in praying for prior presidents. Surely God has good intentions to bless President Obama. Surely God is committed to work through our government as His word challenges us to pray for those that have rule over us as instruments of justice.
National Day of Prayer: Has the voice of God become so weak that we need the government to dictate such a day? Would this not better be served as coming from the Christian community in an act of unity in Christ? The National Day of Prayer is an all inclusive, all religion government event. That is really not anything in which I personally see much value. Unity comes in unity of faith. Power comes in agreement. It is a good and agreeable day, but not likely to warrant much of God’s action on our behalf. What if the Christian community declared a national day of repentance and prayer away from the government? Are we so weak we need a man’s acknowledgement in order to pray? Have we lost the face of God as our focus?
What could happen if our focus was on praying for respect for God and daily bread and the will of God and the kingdom of God and forgiveness and deliverance from evil on behalf of our nation and president?
Isaiah served under five or six kings in Israel. Most were not Godly. He served in the “Whitehouse” alongside them as a counselor. Billy Graham had the same blessing. It is sad that no one has had the discretion and understanding of this man to take that place. We need to pray for such a man with a combination of discretion and valor and discernment and personal commitment to holiness in Christ. Our nation needs that man and that voice.
These are just a few thoughts. It amazes me that Christians so expect a president to be just like them that they struggle so greatly. God is God. Man is man. Our political world spins our direction and sometimes not. God rules over it all.
Phil Larson, 508 Tumbleweed Dr., Yukon, Oklahoma 73099 405-388-8037
