Being in an election year brings a certain hostility to our lives. Most of it is perpetrated through the media but, more than ever we are carrying the vitriol over into the lives of friends and family through social media. It is so hard to stay out of the conversations that benefit nothing, especially when you have strong opinions one way or the other… am I right?

So what does the Bible say about our obligation to leadership and how should we really react? Let’s take a look at this passage in 1 Peter 2:13-17

¹³ Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. ¹⁵ For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. ¹⁶ Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. ¹⁷ Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

We have some pretty clear instructions on how to act: submit to leadership, do good, live as free, honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the emperor/king/president etc.,

My challenge to you in this election year is to pray and vote your convictions, but at the end, no matter what the outcome, we should thank God for His sovereignty and continue to “do good to silence the ignorance of foolish people” and live free while “living as servants of God”. Let’s pray for the patience, wisdom and discernment to “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the (new president)”… even if we might believe he/she might not deserve honor. God tells us otherwise; He is sovereign and we must have faith that His plans are greater.

Jesse Horne