I didn't vote for him, but he is MY PRESIDENT
- Posting Psalm 109:8 on social media and in the windows of their cars.
- Posting “doctored” pictures to make President and Michelle Obama appear to use the wrong hand during the pledge of allegiance
- I’ve heard and seen “Christ-Followers” call him “an idiot” & the “O-blunder”
The list of “Christian rebellion”is long & wrong. These actions are not Christ-like. If we justify them.. we disagree with Jesus, Paul, Peter and the entirety of scripture. It is never acceptable to dishonor and rebel against any level of authority.
Although Caesar was corrupt and the Roman oppression of the Jews was wrong, JESUS SAID to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” -Mark 12:17 PAUL SAID: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, -Romans 13:1-2 He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” -Romans 13:4-7 PETER SAID: “…fear God, honor the king” -1 Peter 2:17 Research the authorities Paul and Peter were under when writing their words. Remembering what Nero and other authorities were like…should make us very grateful for our the authority we live under now. We need to honor our president. Barak H. Obama is our president and he needs us to pray for him. PERIOD.
garymodine.com 
Couldn’t have said it any better!
Good stuff Gary. I always feel for the president because in a tiny way I know what it’s like to be in a leadership role where some like you & others don’t, some blame you & others praise you… I can’t even imagine how it feels on that scale.
Sorry, I do not agree with you…we can honor upright behavior in our leaders, but when they blatently support and encourage sin and honor countries who are sworn to destroy America and Christianity, my faith will not let me honor them. Jesus didn’t honor the Pharisees or money changers, he called them what they were….and it is up to people who profess Christ to take a stand against ungodliness wherever it shows itself…If you agree with same sex marriage, homosexuality, partial birth and unnecessary (for mothers life) abortion, and the muslim ideals, then you can honor Obama.
I do not agree with same sex marriage, homosexuality, partial birth and unnecessary (for mothers life) abortion, and the muslim ideals… I make my voice heard on these matters.
However, I will not dishonor my president.
Yes, Jesus didn’t respect the Pharisees etc….THEY WEREN’T IN AUTHORITY OVER HIM. Caesar was tho… You should research what Caesar was like when Jesus refused an opportunity to dishonor him. Check into what the Emperor Nero was like (He burned Christians)… Yet Paul instructed Christians to honor.
To rebel against authority (that we disagree with) has spiritual consequences. Dishonor is a sin that takes us further than we are want to go & costs us more than we are willing to pay.
As I have a family to raise and choose to raise them in a conservative Christian tradition I cannot support the leadership that is systematically removing our God from nearly every aspect of our lives and re-writing the constitution along the way. I served my country and to this day would die for it and the principles it was founded on but when the government mandates teaching anti-Christian doctorine to my children in school I have to draw the line. Paul instructed us to honor our leadership but Moses had to lead the faithful out of bondage in direct opposition to the leadership. Many are looking to Moses.
Steve: Interesting that you used Moses and Pharaoh. Makes me wonder what country you would take your family to….
In the OT…Pharaoh was far far worse than any american political figure has ever been….Unknown to him (or anyone else), he was used/manipulated by God to set the stage for something huge. Pharaoh was “A servant of God.” Yup “A servant of God” that brought about the miraculous events recorded in Exodus.
I believe current political figures are being “used/manipulated by God” yes “servants of God” to bring about a modern day Exodus called the “Return of Christ” written about in Revelation.
Yup “servants of God.” Romans 13 tells us clearly NOT to dishonor them. Why? Unknown to them….They are setting the stage for God’s glory to be revealed. “Fighting” with anger, offense, hatred, venom, toxicity, dishonor, rebellion…does more damage to ourselves…we live a life of frustration. We lose a sense of peace. As men, it destroys our marriages and families….cause were mad all of the time.
Know who you are. Know what you believe in. Stand FOR what you believe in not just AGAINST with dishonor & disrespect to the individuals involved.
None of us have the right to call Obama and Idiot or pray that his days on earth are few…. That was really the main point of the blog.
…however this new revelation about Pharaoh, Moses, Exodus, Modern day politics & a Modern Exodus has me fascinated.
I agree 100% that we could never compare any American leadership to Pharaoh. The one similarity I would make however would not only include Pharaoh but also Nero and other rulers that put the state above the individual. When the government, whether a republic, monarchy or dictatorship “provides” its people with their basic needs they can at that point dictate what they are expected to believe, think and do. Pharaoh was an used by God to prove a point to the world that God’s word is absolute. Should we allow our leadership distort Gods word in the faithful act of honoring our leaders? Where do we draw the line?
Gary is not agreeing with any of these things nor do I. But we can disagree with the President without disrespecting him. It’s never right to be rude or degrading.
I completely agree, Gary. While I disagree with the president on many issues, I recognize that the moral change we seek will come– not through intimidation and power– only through the influence and power of Christ and the Gospel lived. These disparaging attitudes many believers express are an illustration of the flesh rather than of God’s presence and control (see Galatians 5:16-26.
I agree with you PG, I have not always agreed with everything that President Obama, has done and what his ideals are, but have always felt that I needed to respect his authority as I respect Jesus Christ’s authority over me.
Biblically we are called to respect and honor, not necessarily agree with, our leaders. We can be respectful while lifting our voices for what we believe in. Any conversation that includes name calling is doomed to failure. Let’s not lose our message that way!
Regarding the Democratic (Communist) Party;
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Sure they got elected and Ive paid my taxes but now that theyve revealed their hand it is our duty under US law to indict & convict them for their crimes against humanity. They must be brought to justice, not enabled to do greater harm. This is what I will render unto Caesar and to God. Am I wrong?
Tom….was that a rhetorical question at the end? I will answer it anyway… You and I do not have the justice department at our disposal… I don’t believe we are rendering to Caesar what is his by bringing them to justice…
If by “bringing them to justice” you meant “respectfully voting” then…no you are not wrong.
If you mean anything else…then yes. you are most likely wrong.
Both of the main political parties in America are corrupt as far as I’m concerned. But God does tell us to submit to those in authority over us. I think America is also declining because of the “I’m gonna do it MY way” attitude of many Christians who are ignoring God’s commands. ALL of our political leaders are human and will make mistakes, just as the rest of us do. As God has shown us grace, we need to show grace and submission to those that are in leadership over us and pray like crazy that God gives them wisdom to lead.
This really resonates with me, because I can’t put the two predominate political parties as “good” or “evil”. They each have their positive and negative attributes. I look at the person selected as the candidate and vote on what I see as the heart of that potential leader. I have seen great men and not-so-great men from both parties. And, often, a political platform is just a stage. Either party can supports ideas some Christians disagree with, but either party can be transformed by the man leading that party. Usually, that needs time and our prayers. Never will our condemnation transform anything.
It is my right as an American citizen to make a citizens arrest. I will exercise it if my attorney clears it with the statutes and gives me the authority to do so. Arresting suspected criminals does not violate the Gospel. Even though I agree with your reference to Rom 13 & Peter 2:17, I also regard Pauls warning to be equally valid.
“2 Corinthians 11:12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
However, that aside, I believe you are correct to pray for and to continue to endure-
“2 Corinthians 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Perhaps the question, “Where do we draw the line?” is what is most urgent here. You are right that the Scripture forbids violence or even defamation against authorities and I agree with you that we’ve let our tempers flare too often (at least I have anyway). But I also need to cite Jesus commands to “Shout it from the rooftops” as well and this is to compel leaders to obey their own edicts.
Tom. You quote from Matthew 10 to “Shout it from the rooftops.” Are you really receiving the level of persecution that Jesus spoke of in that chapter? Really? If so, then be “harmless as doves.” Also in Matthew 10.
I invite you to read my response above to Steve. Something much bigger may be taking place and it’s awesome….
I challenge you to get above your “seething.” It’s a toxin that will keep you from experiencing the peace of God that guards your heart and mind. -Phillippians 4:7
draw the line at hatred, disrespect, toxic “seething”
could it be that God desires to form something in you character… that you are unable to see because of your intense focus on the government?
(BTW I apologize to God and our Bretheren for letting my temper seeth on more than one occasion over politics. Oops.)
😉
Hi Tom,
May God give you strength. Our tempers and politics are two most difficult things we face in life, but they are both fleeting things in eternity. BK
The welfare state the current administration has made into law is no less than modern slavery. When all of the things you rely on, food, work and health care, come from the government they, in essence, own you. Now, as of a couple of days ago, are openly attacking your religious freedoms and today launched an attack on your second ammendment rights. I am not an alarmist but a fundamental shift in the American way of life and the liberties we enjoy is in the works. I fear for our future if we turn from the teachings of the Bible and adopt the tolerant attitude of the left. Morality is being irradicated in the name of tolerance.
Steve, what better time to pray for our leaders, including President Obama???
Steve: yup it is a mess.
point of blog…. our tone is wrong…calling president names and praying his days on earth are few (psalm 109:8) ….is a wrong response to the mess….
Is it okay to use Jesus as our example on this subject? Who was the king of Judah in Jesus’ day? His name was Herod. Jesus’ referred to “his king” as “that fox.” The Greek word means, “fox, wickedly crafty person”:
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.” (Luke 13:31-32 ESV)
Since we know that Jesus is not capable of sinning we can conclude that Jesus accurately characterising Herod as a wicked old sly fox was NOT in violation of the scriptural teaching (OT as well as NT….see 1 Sam 24) that we should honor our leaders.
If Jesus walked the earth today and the current government head (king, president, etc) was a sly old fox Jesus would not hesitate to accurately refer to them as such.
The job of prophet and Christian truth teller is to tell it like it is. Our Lord has shown us by example that we can “call a fox a fox”. But also notice that later during his trial Jesus never rails upon the rulers who are falsely judging him.
1) We can (and must) truthfully speak up about the faults of our leaders.
2) Even so we must treat them with respect. And we are commanded to pray for them.
This describes the role of “prophet” in the NT setting: Tell the truth. Show respect. Pray and be ready to forgive.
What Jesus did we are also called to do.
(For further study look at the role of John the Baptist in his later ministry.)
Does this link help clarify? I struggled with this one, too, and this helped me remember how we follow the examples of Christ, but only to a certain imperfect degree.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/cmt/henry/luk013.htm
Part of the commentary states “…he was a king, he was King of kings, and the greatest of men were accountable to him, and therefore it became him to call this proud king by his own name; but it is not to be drawn into an example by us.”
I do think we have every ability to make known the difficult issues we struggle with, respectfully, but we must come with solutions at various levels of government? Focus on how the solutions will solve the issue of (insert – poverty, violence, murder, education, etc.)
Most of the time, there are so many people involved in an issue, the actual issue is GRIDLOCK.
With love and respect, BK
Admittedly I have called Obama slanderous names but never wished any physical harm on the guy. He has his agenda that he believes in (and was trained to perform). He does what he has to do.
Here is the quandry… How do we protect our faith and live up to the millions that have died to protect this countries foundation and freedoms? Or do we let it be litigated away. Should David have not slayed Golieth and just prayed for his turn of heart? I think things play out exactly the way God wants them to. We are all instruments of his to use as He sees fit.
in the case of david and goliath…. goliath was not in authority over david.
david did later have a similar quandary. king saul became corrupt, tormented by a demon and was fiercely determined to to kill david. david let God sort it out.
protecting our faith is not really an authority issue. you have shown that despite the school/culture you and keasha are doing a phenomenal job raising your family to know, love and serve God.
Also, God really doesn’t need protected. He’s gonna hold up pretty well in the end.
Millions died for our freedoms….many of which are fading away….unfortunately….it looks just like the old testament…children of israel got free and eventually (within a decade or two) gave up those freedoms… God had to do the miraculous to free them again and again and again….
“Tom. You quote from Matthew 10 to “Shout it from the rooftops.” Are you really receiving the level of persecution that Jesus spoke of in that chapter? Really?
Yes, as have millions of others in the West. We are under siege by the Abomination of Desolation. I contend we are dead-set in the middle of Mathew 24:15. Youre correct that to retaliate in kind violates the Scripture so Im preparing a place to flee to. Perhaps Brazil or Peru? They seem less despotic these days than the US- http://www.henrymakow.com/family_law.html
If so, then be “harmless as doves.” Also in Matthew 10.”
Good advice.
“I invite you to read my response above to Steve. Something much bigger may be taking place and it’s awesome….
I challenge you to get above your “seething.” It’s a toxin that will keep you from experiencing the peace of God that guards your heart and mind. -Phillippians 4:7”
True. Im working on it.
We as Christian’s should not have to walk on egg shells being so politically correct that we have to be afraid to address the ungodly issues that the arise with the president. I have the right to address these with God and man. I’ll continue to pray for the president and our leaders but I’ll not white wash the issues just to be a politically correct Christian. If our president is caught being untruthful it should be exposed and addressed. If he leads unethically or creates godless laws and appoints the less than acceptable then I will opposes those issues and will address them appropriately.
I agree with the scripture shared in your blog. I am both a heavenly citizen and a good American citizen but politically correct? Not!
we must stand for truth, and speak up for what is right….
just call the prez an idiot or pray that his days on earth would be cut short…
we can do this without being rebellions christian jerks…
Rebellious Christian Jerks…not politically correct Gary…
Is it O.K. to pray that his days on earth as president be cut short? Because I really don’t think he deserves another four years…
Just asking brother…
As I layed there and pondered this issue last night I came to the conclusion that this is much bigger than just a chritian/non-christian issue. Laws are being passed in this country right now that are blatently wrong and will in the end hamper the ability to, if not prevent altogether, our children and their children to live in a country with opportunity and the freedoms we take for granted. Look at Syria today. People are dying to preserve their freedom. To think that could not happen in this country is foolish. Sometimes authority must be challenged in the very name of freedom and morality. Hitler was never challenged, neither was Stalin, Castro, Tung, Il, Idi Amin and many others and we all know how well that turns out. There must be a line that cannot be crossed without consequence or we are just a bunch of lemmings heading for the cliff.
The blog is not suggesting passivity. That too would be wrong.
I’m simply pointing out that it is wrong for us to trash the man the way that christians are.
Gary,
What a great topic! We had this same discussion a couple of months ago in our home study as we were studying the book of Romans. The thoughts were split. As you, Gary, know our home is located close to Fort Lewis and our home study group includes some influential folks that are currently in, and who have previously been in high command of our military.
We all agreed that our leaders are in need of our prayers. But then the debate began….1. Are we respecting the position or the person? 2. What would happen if the order was given by our leaders (whom we are to respect and honor) to start military action against Christians or Isreal? If you don’t carry out the command you are in defiance of Romans 13:2 “Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted”. I myself am in the rebellious category and would face the consequences handed to me by God for disobeying that order given to me by my leader(s).
Your or others thoughts?
Tim,
I think in that circumstance, it would be possible to “respectfully refuse” to follow an order of that magnitude. We would most likely face consequences of disobedience…however, we can do it with humility and respect.
Calling our leader names and speaking hatefully to them and about them is clearly wrong. Carrying offense towards them is wrong. Disagreeing is not.
That be my thoughts…
Gary
I have yet to experience a president in my lifetime (54 years) that didn’t make mistakes or who followed God’s laws perfectly in all (or even a majority) of his actions. The pressures of partisan politics, Republican or Democrat or whatever, result in paybacks to the people and special interests that got them elected. Greed, arrogance, lust for power, etc. are tools satan uses to entrap political leaders to act in unGodly ways, regardless of what party they belong to. Overt sin, like the promotion of homosexual lifestyles, are no different than using spent uranium in ammunition in Iraq and Afghanistan where it will continue to negatively affect the lives of innocent men, women, and children for decades to come. I grew up in Minnesota, which certainly wasn’t perfect, there is a strong spirit of working together with neighbors for the common good of all. The current divisiveness in American politics usually results in either stalemate or dramatic swings from administration to administration. The question we need to be asking is are we attracting others to Christ by our actions? I think Pastor Gary’s recommendation of praying for our leaders is right on, along with condemning the actions of some conservative Christians who are calling for President Obama’s death. The God I serve, didn’t tell David to kill Saul and I won’t support anyone calling for the death of any US President, whether I voted for him or not.
Death? No, absolutely not.. And for as many times as I have heard that I am always quick to correct them.. However Impeachment? 100% yes along with his entire cabinet. In all honesty Obama has very little to do with implimenting policy its his uncanny influence on the other lawmakers. America is still owned and ran by the powers that have been doing it since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Oil, Auto and Unions. Another big player is big medicine and drug producers. Corruption is rampant and there is next to nothing the average joe can do about it. The kind of change that would be needed to fix these problems would have to be of biblical proportion anyways and would most certainly change the very nature of how we live.
Stve, I definitely agree with your comments about the influence of big industry, medicine, pharmaceutical companies, etc. One field you forgot to mention is the legal field with all the unscrupulous lawyers! I don’t understand the current, vehement opposition to Obama, however, as Bush and Cheney and most of his cabinet were influenced as much by all the corrupt factors already mentioned. Democrat or Republican doesn’t make any difference in my book, once people enter the political realm, the effect of power, greed, etc. are overwhelming and they all seem to succumb to their influences.
The unfortunate reality that has not even been mentioned yet is all of these guys, democrat and republican follow one trail. Its not the trail to heaven its the trail of money. It is a stone cold fact that “he who has the money makes the rules” and that is what they are all looking for. The brass ring so to speak. One of the changes I would suggest is making all public service i.e. the senate, house, judiciary and even the president’s positions be non-profit positions. No lobby funds, no perks, just a check of about 50K a year, a 401K and some health insurance. You would see then who would actually even “want” those jobs.
Thanks, Gary. You are correct – we are to honor and respect authority. We Christians, can do so by not dis-respecting the person(s) in authority. We can make our voice heard by voting.
Most of us are forgetting one thing about the Executive Office…. The president only can sign into law what is given to him from Capitol Hill. If we are to correct what is happening and try to fix or eliminate this Socialist Agenda, then we need to start by electing new people into Congress and the Senate (and at the State level). The president may have an agenda that we disagree with, but if we have the right people on Capital Hill, that agenda will be curved to what is right. So, get your voice heard and vote. PS: encourage other Christians to vote as well.
Gary, you are right on. I have heard some of the most heinous things towards him. We can teach our children how to honor others with civility and grace or how to destroy others with no regards to the FACT that they were made in the image of God.
It’s true that we need to pray for Obama, and respect him… to a degree. Personally I would not respect him due to his character, but I would respect him because of the office he holds. Men fought and died for the freedom we have now, and we should respect the office of the presidency.
Though I think there’s a difference between dishonoring and disagreeing. We should disagree, stand up, and speak out about our leaders and laws that go against God’s word, but we should not make an “effigy” to Obama. Hating on Obama would, in fact, just make us look like haters; which is the antithesis of what our image should be to the world. And even if Obama isn’t nearly as bad as emperor Nero, that should not give us an excuse to be tolerant to his actions and policies either.
Everyone (including myself) may not agree with Obama, but if we make him our enemy, we are compelled to love him and pray for him.
This country was based on Christian principles and moral standards. These standards have been chipped away from for nearly 150 years now and what of the original intention remains? I say very little. So this begs the question, based on:
”Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, -Romans 13:1-2
Who is to say our governing authority has been established by God? Are we so arrogant we should assume God favors us over every other, or any other, nation on Earth just because we are the last super power or we somehow deserve God’s grace? I can promise you this, the German people would have, and did, call Hitler a savior sent by God in 1935.
Deception is everywhere and discerning the truth in this muddled society is getting harder and harder to do.
Let us celebrate the idea that the number of people who follow Christ (from the time of Jesus until now) has GROWN exponentially around the world. Faith will always be chipped away around the edges, but it will stand firm like a great rock.