Pastor John D Jakes

Romans 13: 1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

1 Timothy 2: 1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Lately, people have been asking me about what they should do about our new President.  They are usually asking for one of two reasons: 1) they are worried about Mr. Trump, or 2) someone they love is worried.

Let me begin by first saying that God is sovereign.  I know that leaders have power, but their power is not greater than God.  What does this mean?  This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be active in making this world the best we can.  It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be involved in politics or our communities. It means that we don’t have to be afraid.  Isn’t that the key emotion that we’ve seen over the last few months?  Fear has motivated people.  It has motivated some to vote, some to march, and some to protest.

Instead of fear, God’s people need faith.  How does God ask us to express our faith regarding our leaders?  He asks us to do 2 things: 1) stand boldly and 2) pray passionately.  When you think of standing boldly think of people like Esther, Jeremiah, and Paul.  When they stood, even though fear may have been in the mix, they chose boldness over fear.  That is what we should do.  We shouldn’t live in fear.  We stand for Christ and His truth with boldness.

When you think of praying, think of what every leader needs to have to lead well.  The Bible speaks of 3 things a leader needs.  1) Accountability.  The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  What does that mean for a leader?  Every leader must know in their soul that they are accountable to God for what they do. 2) Wisdom. Accountability leads to wisdom.  Our leaders need it.  This country is a big place.  We have issues that everyone has an opinion on, but very few have answers.  Leaders must have wisdom.  3) Humility.  No person knows everything.  No person is always right.  A great leader is a humble one.

For the last 25 years, this is what I have prayed for our leaders. (I wasn’t paying much attention before that!)  It didn’t matter if they were Democrats or Republicans.  It didn’t matter if I liked their politics or thought their answers would only make things worse.  I prayed for their accountability, wisdom, and humility.  Ask anyone:  I don’t speak ill of our leaders.  If you are hearing me disrespecting Mr. Trump or Mr. Obama.  Even the leaders I disagree with I speak about with respect.  I believe that the position deserves honor regardless of the person in it. 

No, I am simply asking: will you join me in living in the trust of God?  Will you join me in praying for our leaders’ accountability, wisdom, and humility?  If not, what WILL you pray for?

Something to think about,

Pastor John