How My Readership Hit Zero

Also entitled: My thoughts on political mudslinging:

Political mudslinging has already begun. On TV, social media, behind podiums. Here is my two bits: to anyone mudslinging those who hold positions of power (ESPECIALLY to those who say they are faith-based people doing the mud-slinging): we are called to honor those in authority over us.

God allowed that individual to be in that particular role (whether to truly lead and guide us or to be an example of what happens when we throw God to the way-side).

No one in these positions TRIES to fail. I would imagine that anyone going in to office doesn’t go in thinking, “I’m going to mess things up so bad! I’m going to let everyone who doesn’t like me get a taste of my wrath.” No, I think that in a position of power, one goes in firmly believing that they are putting their best foot forward, that they are going to work really hard and serve the best way they know how. And my guess is, they had no idea what great strain that seat of power holds. Some buckle under that kind of pressure, some rise to the challenge.

Either way, they are a human – just like you and me – no, not even like you and me, better than us, because they had the courage to stand up and do something about what they believe, fought hardships to get where they are, paid a high price to serve –yet a human being. Mortal. And occasionally frail. A human carrying the weight of a country, or a state, or any place of leadership, it’s hard.

Could you do a better job than they? WOULD you? We may not agree with a leader’s political position, moral preferences, or decisions. But they are (most likely) doing the best that they can. We don’t have to agree with them, but we can still respect the position, and honor the man. (or woman) We can share our thoughts and opinions, but can't we do it in a way that doesn't wound the person? Wouldn’t we hope for the same if it was us?

And as people claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ – we have an obligation to the LORD and in keeping of His Word – to honor those in authority over us. It never categorizes that honor by saying, “if they are deemed worthy; if they live up to your hopes for what you think they should be doing”. It just tells us to honor them. And to pray for them.

In these coming politically-charged months, how about if instead of throwing mud at these people, we toss up prayers to heaven on behalf of them. Let the people of faith rise up in a new standard, one of respect, and honor and prayer on behalf of those serving in leadership. And may we all remain humble, so that God will not be opposed to us, but for us. And when He lifts us up in due season, may those we serve be as respectful as we have been in the past.