The United States of America has had a period of voting for a new president and for the senate. Most people cast their votes at voting booths, but many people mailed in their vote. I have not been following the results … just peeping in now and then to see what is happening. It’s rather amazing to see who supports President Trump from around the world, including our country. Although he is accused of lying, racism and other things, the most unlikely people from Africa believe he is the best thing for America and then for Africa. Naturally, that’s opinion.
Guess work proceeds in abundance regarding who will win the election. Fox News have instructed their news anchors not to label Mr. Biden as president-elect. Newspapers in favour of the Democrats have all but announced Mr. Biden the winner. The fact at present is, we just don’t know. The safest is to say it’s going to be a razor sharp finish! You might recall the Reality TV Show “The Apprentice” where Mr. Trump was the “host” of the show. I think he enjoyed every minute saying: “You’re fired” to a contestant he felt was unworthy of continuing. I say again, the results are not out … but picture Mr. Trump being shouted at “you’re fired” by the masses of American voters.
The fired “apprentices” could not discuss or get legal opinions but it seems Mr. Trump has a strategy in place to context certain states results. Georgia and Pennsylvania, should Mr. Biden win will be challenged in court by Mr. Trump. It does not seems at this stage that he is going to take a loss graciously. Most past presidents wait for the final Senate result and should they not achieve the 270 votes, they phone their opponent and congratulate them on their win. Mr. Trump seems not to have that grace. Is it possible that “you’re fired” will ring in his ears causing the worst “Trump Temper Tantrum” ever heard or seen? One newspaper suggests the worst ever Trump Meltdown is about to happen.
As Christians we need to ensure that we do not permit personal meltdowns or temper tantrums. When we can’t get our way, we cannot throw our toys out of the cot, nor may we seek revenge because we could not get our way. It happens in life that you are overlooked for promotion. You believe you are the best candidate but an upgrade passes you by. Even in a church election, be it for elders or approving building plans, you might not get your way. Your way might be the better and the more effective way, your nomination might be the best man for elder, your vote against the building plans might be right because the plans as they are not practical although aesthetically nice. Like with political leaders, there are times when God gives the people what they want … be it a president to lead a nation, be it a pastor or elder to lead a church, be it the approval of the building plans. The point is, we who are Christians need to accept defeat graciously. It is God who is overruling for good or for discipline. We do what we believe before God is the right thing and leave the rest to God. In this way, we will not throw a terrible temper tantrum. Getting back to the USA election, and whichever country has an election, there are two vitally important things to grasp, one for the men or women standing for election and the other for us, the people of the country.
Firstly … both Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden need to accept whatever the final result is as “God’s will”. The reason I say this is because the Bible actually says it like that!
Ro 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
If you and I need to accept the election results as of God, how much more ought Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden to accept the results? The one defeat and the other that God Himself has installed the winner as president of the super power of this world. The winner ought to spread himself out before God seeking power, wisdom, discernment and knowledge to lead their nation … and influence the world for good.
Secondly … what we need to be doing in any country, election or not, is to be in prayer for the authorities to know, understand and do God’s will … not their own.
1Ti 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Few people understand how important their prayers are when it comes to the government of their country. Surely this means that when things go wrong in our country, before we blame the government (State Capture, etc.), we ought to examine how constructive our prayers have been for them. Perhaps we have not prayed at all. In that case we can only complain against ourselves. I know we don’t like it, but perhaps we who are prayerless for our country are the reason for our country’s mess!
O God, to You all nations will bow confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. For some it will be far too late. Presidents and other leaders will also need to give an account for their management of the people and resources. Help me to fulfil Your instructions to pray for those in authority over my nation and help me to live in submission to the authorities, adding value to the nation where You have placed me as a citizen. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.