I have been working all day so when I got home and started going through my Facebook page I noticed that many people had been posting either things about the outcome of the election or telling others to be quiet about the outcome of the election. Despite President Obamas words saying we are not as divided as we seem it seems we are.
The most dramatic of these ideas that I have seen is the that some states should separate themselves from the union. In short they would like to create another civil war. Going with how that all worked out last time, I’m going to go with “no”. The post that got me concerned came from a friend of a friend. It reads,
The time for the conservative states to secede from the Union is NOW. The USA is not my country anymore. Re-establish the Republic of Texas, and we in Kansas, Oklahoma, and the others who want Constitutional government will join you immediately and help man the baracades.
First you need to ignore that barricades is spelled wrong. It’s probably because they were writing their post with such fervor (add sarcasm). Secondly you need to understand that this is a very non-Christian idea.
The Bible has many texts referring to relations between Christians and the government. One of these places that we may not look to at first provides us with a lot of insightful ways to view what happened November 6th. Lets read Titus 3
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
In Titus chapter 3 we read Paul’s words to Titus. Here he is instructing Titus on how to teach and conduct the church. When we reach chapter three we see some phrases that we probably don’t like. Paul tells Titus to tell his people that they should “be submissive to rulers and authorities”. He doesn’t preface his comments by saying that they should do so only if they want to, he just says be submissive. Now before all the Obama fans out there yell “YEAH!” you should know that this also means your bosses, senators, mayors, police officers, etc. Regardless who you are you should be submissive to those over you. If you aren’t then it only shows your heart is not loyal to Christ.
Paul goes on to explain that the reason we should be submissive, gentle and not quarrelsome is because the Holy Spirit has regenerated our hearts. So whereas we were once rebellious in nature we are now loving like Christ. Whereas we were once out for our own glory we now want Christ to get all the glory. This is why Paul goes on to explain that when one continues to stir up division time and time and time again Titus is to have nothing to do with the person because they have shown their heart to be sinful.
The essence of Titus 3 is to show that Christians are to be good citizens out to do good works whether it be in good times or bad. So to say that the red states should separate themselves from the blue states simply based on who is president is just showing the heart of the person who says it.
This doesn’t not mean that we agree with everything those over us do or say. However Paul clearly tells Titus that they should still be submissive to those rulers. Yes there are places where the Bible speaks of disobeying the government. However, these instances only occur when one must hold God’s principles above man’s principles (Matt. 2:12; Acts 5:29; Heb. 11:23). The re-election of President Obama doesn’t seem to fit this criteria.
For those upset about President Obama’s re-election I say this. Be upset, but pray for him. Be upset, but know that he needs Jesus just as much as you need Jesus. Be upset, but understand that God is not surprised.
For those tired of those upset about President Obama I say this. Be excited and pray for him. Be excited and understand that you have the same sinful heart as those that are upset and when you understand that you will be gentler with them. Be excited and understand that God is not surprised by anyone that won.
The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. (Titus 3:8)
Pastor Mike Moore 