As we look ahead to the future of the United States and consider what it means to be responsible citizens, we as Christians must turn to Scripture and history to gain wisdom and be truly informed. Many people feel betrayed by political and media leaders, and it can be tempting to respond in anger or despair. However, our first step must be to forgive those who have hurt or misled us. Jesus calls us to release bitterness and pray for those who oppose us. As He taught in Matthew 5:44 (KJV), "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
We should also pray that those in positions of influence will come to know the truth and experience salvation, for God desires that all people be saved (1 Timothy 2:4 KJV). At the same time, we must turn our focus inward, asking God to purify our hearts and thoughts. Let this be our daily prayer, "Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to You, our Heavenly Father, because Jesus is our Lord and Savior." (Psalm 19:14, paraphrased)
As followers of Christ, we are called to be law-abiding citizens. Romans 13:1-2 (KJV) reminds us, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted. Governments and laws were created to maintain order and peace, enabling us to live without constant fear for our lives or property. When laws align with moral principles rooted in God's Word, such as those found in the Ten Commandments, they serve the common good. By respecting these laws, we demonstrate integrity and reflect God's righteousness to the world (Matthew 5:16 KJV).
However, there are times when leaders pass laws or mandates that contradict God's truth. In such cases, our ultimate allegiance must be to God. Acts 5:29 (KJV) declares: "We must obey God rather than human beings!"
Daniel's life is a powerful example of unwavering obedience to God in the face of unjust laws. When a decree was issued forbidding prayer to anyone except the king, Daniel remained faithful. Daniel 6:10 recounts, “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
This kind of bold faith calls for courage and trust in God's sovereignty. Similarly, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, saying, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us... But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18 KJV) In times of corrupt or oppressive leadership, we are called to trust God's timing and remain steadfast. Revelation 14:12 encourages us: "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus."
Remaining faithful may not always be easy, but God promises a reward for those who persevere. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Even when the world seems chaotic, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is in control. He has promised to establish justice and bring about His perfect plan in His perfect time. Isaiah 33:22 (KJV) declares, "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us."
As Christians, we are citizens of both an earthly nation and the Kingdom of Heaven. While we seek to honor earthly authorities (Matthew 22:21 KJV), we must never forget that our true citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20 (KJV) reminds us, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Living as dual citizens means we represent Christ in how we engage with the world. This includes being a voice for truth and justice, loving our neighbors, and seeking the good of our communities (Micah 6:8 KJV). It also means holding onto God's promises with hope, knowing that His kingdom is unshakable (Hebrews 12:28 KJV).
As we navigate uncertain times, let us stand firm in our faith, forgive those who have wronged us, and trust in God's sovereignty. Remember the promise of Isaiah 40:31 (NIV), "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Let us encourage one another, pray for our leaders, and boldly live out our faith, knowing that in due season, we will reap a harvest of righteousness if we do not give up, Galatians 6:9 (KJV).
