A Matter of Respect

I've been noticing lately that many people I know and respect, including plenty of Christians, have been bashing our president, publicly ridiculing him every chance they get.  Now, I can't say that Mr. Obama is my favorite president, and I will readily admit that I don't agree with very many of his policies.  Even though I dread the thought of another muck-filled presidential campaign that is approaching much too soon, I am looking forward to a change in national leadership.  I hope that a different president will be able to make wise decisions that will bolster our nation's economy and foreign relations.  Even more, I hope that a new leader will be truly respected by the majority of citizens from every state, every political party, and every walk of life.

In the meantime, halfway through this president's second and final term of office, I have been feeling disturbed by all of the blatant disrespect I've been witnessing.  It is true that several politicians, mainly Democrats, have vocally defended this president's questionable decisions and policies.  But it is evident that few people in this country, and throughout the world, have been able to genuinely respect Barack Obama.

So, how should we, as Christians, treat a leader who is unable to command the respect of the people he governs?  The Apostle Paul had much to say about this topic, in Romans 13: 1-7.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.  Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?  Then do what is right and you will be commended.  For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.  But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.  They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience...Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

This passage tells us, loudly and clearly, that the leader of our nation is worthy of our respect, even if we disagree with his policies, because God is the one who established his authority.  We have the right to disagree with our president, congressmen, and others in authority, but we need to treat them with the respect and honor that is due them, because they are God's servants, whether they realize it, or not.  

Of course, when our earthly leaders ask us to condone anything that is clearly contrary to God's will, we are admonished to "obey God rather than men" in Acts 5:29, along with the apostles.  Someone like Adolf Hitler is not worthy of our respect or obedience, because he was committing horrific acts that could not be ignored or approved.  Hitler's actions mocked everything that God-fearing people stood for.

Even if we feel that President Obama is an inferior president, his actions have not come even close to those of someone like Hitler.  We may not like our president, and we may question many of his actions and policies, but he is still worthy of our respect.  Even more, he needs the citizens of our country to pray for him frequently.  In 1 Timothy 3: 1-3, Paul urges the people to pray for everyone in authority: 

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior.

So, I am encouraging you to respect our president and his office, because God is the one who has established his authority.  Furthermore, I am challenging you to pray daily for our president and congressmen, and other leaders, too.  And, taking it one more step, let's start praying now for our next president, whoever he or she may be.