"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." (1 Peter 2:17) Our nation has survived another challenge of our political and governmental system. The people have spoken, and have successfully elected the President of the United States of America. The majority of voters, and our Electoral College chose President George W. Bush to serve another four years in the highest office of our land. The founders of the United States gave us a Constitution. This important document is accepted by our generation as our rule of law and helps define our culture. The European roots of our nation were mostly malcontents for one reason or the other. Most that came to America during the first one hundred and fifty years were not able to get along socially, politically, economically or religiously with the European establishment. Some were tired of having to bow and curtsy before the uppity Lord's and Barons of Europe. Some were eager to be a part of governing the new nation. Some saw an opportunity for acquiring wealth. Then many others wanted the freedom to worship God according to their conscience. Those of us, who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, look to Christ as our King. We honor Christ above all earthly thrones or powers. Christ leads and guides us by the holy word of God - the Bible, and the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We place Christ Jesus on the throne of our lives, and we are free from the harsh influence of any pope or potentate. Our "Papa" is in heaven, and our Ruler is all-powerful and all knowing – yet invisible. The fact that we live with moral freedom does not give us the right to be rebellious and unlawful. Quite the contrary, we are instructed to obey the governing powers, unless those in power require us to do something that dishonors God. The New Testament was written during the time when the pagan Roman Empire was in power all over that part of the world. The early Christians often felt like strangers in their own countries because of a culture that was devoted to various forms of idolatry and emperor worship. The apostle Peter wrote under those conditions: "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God`s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." (1 Peter 2:13-16 NIV) Peter was once in a situation where he had to make a choice between God`s will and the will of local rulers. Peter and John were arrested because they had used the power of God to heal a man that had been a cripple from his birth. They were also guilty of preaching about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The ruling authorities commanded them not to speak any longer about Jesus. The apostles could not prevent themselves from proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ. They were arrested again and the High Priest said: "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man`s blood." (Acts 5:28 NIV) The answer Peter and the other apostles gave has come down as a classic response for believers when we are in such a moral dichotomy. "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29b) Some elements in our country are now talking seriously about leaving America because John Kerry was not elected President. Moreover, I have heard others say with sincerity that they were seriously considering leaving America if George Bush had lost the election. Folks, now is the time for all of us to show proper respect for one another. We must all work with all diligence to build our country up into a nation of God fearing and God worshiping people.
As far as I know, America is still one of the few countries on the face of this earth where we have the freedom to worship, preach the Gospel both publicly and privately, and to bring up our children according to our beliefs. The government does not interfere with our rights regarding our faith. Instead of leaving the country, it is a much better thing if we will use our sincere faith to test our laws first and start obeying our Lord`s commands to teach the Gospel to the whole world - starting here in America. God is bringing people to our land from all over the world. We have an incredible opportunity to reach people of nearly every nation with the Gospel without leaving our country. Instead of leaving America, let us all continue to pray: God Bless America. You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 