I had the privilege (and honor) of participating in two different, yet connected, events this

week. I was asked to be a part of the “Meet Me At the Pole” at The Woods Tuesday morning.

Even though it was only a small group in attendance, it was good to hear the concerns for our

country, but also the dependence on God while in troubling times. Immediately following the

time at The Woods, Cathy, Mom and I exercised our right to vote. (I hope you are taking

advantage of the right we have as Americans to vote, having a say in the direction our country

should go!)

I have not spoken out much during this election year, and don’t intend to do so now, but I

would like to share a couple of thoughts which you and I need to recognize as we look at the

future of our country in light of God’s Word.

First, no matter the outcome on election day, as Christians, we have the obligation “...to

be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and

those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1-7). I realize I have only posted an

excerpt of that reading, and yes, we are in subjection to the authorities until what time they

demand from us what would go against the Lord. But what we tend to forget in speaking of the

government is that these words were penned while the church was under Roman rule and facing

persecution, the like you and I have never faced.

Second, the apostle Paul urged Timothy, “...that entreaties and prayers, petitions and

thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that

we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:1). Let’s be sure we

are putting feet to those prayers, by choosing to live godly lives on a daily basis and then

teaching others of the wonderful love of Jesus, while we have opportunity.

Finally, and this one is difficult for me, because I know I don’t handle all the “news” of

the election as I should, let us be sure that we are showing Christ in all our discussions and

disagreements regarding the election of our government. A dear Christian friend (and preacher)

reminded me of the need to control my tongue and attitudes as we face the election Tuesday.

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you,

with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as

God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph. 4:31-32, KJV). Our battle is with a foe far greater

than our government officials. Are we displaying Christ like traits, or have we allowed Satan to

get the better of us! ~ P. Mowrer