President Barack Obama

This week witnessed an historic moment as our nation inaugurated its first African-American president, Barack Obama. Regardless of individual political views, none of us can dismiss this event as nothing less than a defining moment in the unfolding history of our nation. There was a day in our nation when black slaves were nothing more than pieces of property to be bought and sold. There was a day when black Americans were denied even the most basic civil rights. There was a day the failed philosophy of “separate but equal” ruled the day. There was a day when we judged someone by the color of his skin instead of the content of his character. But this week we saw a day when an African-American rose to the highest and most powerful political office in our land. As I heard it put by one commentator, the inauguration was a great day “in” America, even if you don’t think the new president is great “for” America.

I logged on via internet streaming to catch a little bit of the inauguration as it happened live. A few minutes after President Obama took the oath of office, I prayed for him—asking God in His sovereignty to guide Obama’s decisions and leadership in a way that would bring glory to Him. Even if you did not vote for or do not support our new president, have you taken time to pray for him? As a follower of Jesus Christ, we honor God by praying for our leaders, because they hold leadership only because of the sovereignty and allowance of Almighty God.

The political pendulum swings back and forth in this country, so Christians must be careful not to align themselves too closely with any political personality or party. After 8 years of a Republican president, it is not too surprising that the pendulum swung back to the Democrats. There are plenty of things that I do not like about our new president. There are plenty of issues upon which he and I disagree greatly. There are plenty of times when I just shook my head when listening to his lofty rhetoric and learning about his questionable circle of friends. But the election was held, the votes were counted, and the new president is now in office. Believers ought to make their convictions known and their voices heard, but we ought to resist the language of hate that so characterized the political conversation over the past 8 years. Pray for the president. Be educated about the political issues of the day. But keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay busy with the Father’s business. He is still in control.