Christians And Government...What Does The Bible Say?

Unless you are living underwater somewhere, you know about recent current events. We are talking about one specific current event, the 2016 United Staes election. This event or more so, the outcome thus far, of this event,  has impacted our lives in a way I never imagined. My husband and I are born

Copyright 2016 by A. Berglund

and raised Canadians. We are truly blessed, and contrary to comments heard during the U.S. debates and commentaries during the 2016 election campaign, we are thankful for our healthcare system. Nothing is perfect, but we are able to access healthcare without worrying first about how much it may cost us. So I am still trying to understand the digs about our healthcare system. Oh well, this article isn't about healthcare anyway.

Back in the early eighties, when I was in high school, we were taught that when America sneezes, Canada catches the cold. Our teacher was helping us to understand the impact our neighbouring country has on our's. It wasn't until this recent election that I truly felt what he meant. Watching a country vote for a new leader and for the first time in my lifetime, being baffled by what we have been witnessing in just one month, before the new President has even been sworn in.
Sore Losers?
It has reminded my husband and I of ages ago, the times when we would play games with some family members and  friends ,who just could not accept anything but winning. They would try to cheat, might pout, even stomp their feet, overturn the game board, or just make a ruckus if they lost. In fact my husband has a colourful  story about one adult family member who lost to him in a pool match. Wanting it to just be a fun game, Craig explains how his loved family member, proceeded to scold him, adamant that he can not beat him in his own home. This was a full grown adult basically pouting, throwing a tantrum, reminiscent of what we have been witnessing this past month,  post election time. Playing with a sore loser is never fun. Perhaps it is why I would always feel bad if I won a game??!
Rooting For Someone
Wanting to understand the candidates and have an opinion on who may be the best candidate to root for (a total fleshly, human desire), we researched Hillary and Bill Clinton's history and present values and status. Being fans of Celebrity Apprentice and the original Apprentice program (again, for pure entertainment,  not ordained by God as far as we know), we were pretty familiar with Donald J Trump. Not that we agree with every view point of the the now President elect Trump, but once we gleaned all we could from our research, we felt that in no possible way could we "root" for the Clinton camp at all. Please research the Clinton Chronicles and the many other resources to see for yourself why we drew this conclusion. May God help them all.

As a result,  we cautiously watched and rooted for a Republican win. My husband was more wholehearted about supporting the Trump camp than I. We even watched all of the debates. Something we don't always do. It became clear to me, that he was the better choice since there was no way I could vote for the Democrats, if I lived in the USA. Mind you, there have been times when  no candidate where we are, would be my choice, resulting in rejecting my ballot. Personally, I can't vote for any person or party that endorses abortion. To some that is not a good reason to make a decision. Our choices are between us and God, so it is totally a choice between you and our Heavenly Father. Maybe I am wrong, but until I am directed otherwise, choosing Pro-Life parties/candidates matters most. Sadly, we are now pretty much left with no choices anymore....

Temper Tantrums?

Back to the election results....  We have a democratic government in Canada as well, and were raised to accept the results of an election REGARDLESS of the results. Of course, we have had plenty of election results we were't happy about, such as our own about a year ago. But, we trust that God has allowed who He has, to lead our country and pray accordingly.

We assumed that America would vote and the results would be accepted. Of course there would be disappointments and even sad people, but, respectfully, the baton would be passed on to the winner of the election right? Voting is a privilege is it not? Actually, a huge responsibility. Well, based on all we have seen and heard since the election night, November 8th, apparently democracy doesn't work the way we were taught or is it just in America? Yes, even though we were cautiously rooting for Trump, (praying for God's will),  we were shocked that Donald Trump won. Based on our research, we like many others believed the election was a done deal. We trusted that God did what looked like the impossible. The results were clear and overwhelming. 

Sadly, to date the results are being treated as if the vote didn't even count. 

For us it has been baffling and mind boggling. Never before in North America, have we witnessed  such rebellion against an election result before. We get that people may not be happy, but never imagined such rebellion and disrespect toward an election result. Everything from hostile protesters, repeated assassination threats toward the new President elect (with no real consequences), mainstream media presenting purposeful, false information...accusations that Russia "made" Trump win through hacking the computer system, talk about "fake news" versus "Real news??!" The apparent censoring of alternate media sites with contrary views, propaganda public service announcements, talking as if Americans do not know what they are doing pleading with a handful of College Electorals to turn the results around,  by voting their conscience (see below for that video) ...All very disturbing... Thankfully, God is clear in His Word about how believers are to be toward our leaders. 

http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2016/12/15/sore-loser-celebrities-beg-electors-vote-trump-video/

What Does God Want Us To Do?

It is easy to get caught up in all this confusion and kookiness, it is why I will leave it at that and share just a few Scriptures in God's Word,  about how we should be toward our leaders. We are called to pray for our government and leaders, not defy them...

[Rom 13:1-2 KJV] 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

[1Pe 2:13-18 KJV] 13  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18 Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

[1Ti 6:1-2 KJV] 1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

[Eph 6:5-10 KJV] 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Of course if a government demands us to do something that is contrary to God's Word, then we always put His will first. It is why there are many countries where Christians have been imprisoned and executed - they love Jesus Christ first and foremost.   

Some Thoughts About The Election Happenings From A Canadian's View

See Below

Please note that these are just thoughts reflecting where I was at during the moment. Because I am always  seeking truth and insight into such topics, sometimes sites I support and conclusions I have drawn, often evolve and change based on whatever new information my research uncovers. Feel free to subscribe to be notified regarding any updates. Thanks for stopping by.