Text: Daniel 4:17
Many Christians are disappointed in the outcome of the Presidential election. But many have concluded that it must have been God’s will for the President to be reelected. Daniel 4:17 is often cited on this point. However, these are different times. There were specific purposes and prophecies for nations in the Bible; not so today, all we can say is what the Bible says (Romans 10:17).
God’s actions are announced by prophecy (Amos 3:7). No prophecy regarding the nations today (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). Therefore, it is presumptuous speculation to affirm that God is doing something to put certain ones in power or to cause nations to rise and fall today.
If we cannot say by faith that God put Barack Obama back in the White House, what did put him there? Politics aside, there are several matters of morality and righteousness that factored into this election. It is important to consider these.
Factors that Contributed to the Election Results
Greed
- Many vote based upon which candidate promises them the most gain
- Christians are warned against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:9-10) and must guard against every form of greed (Luke 12:13-15)
- Able-bodied people are to work to provide for themselves & their families (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:8) – then be content, whether they have little or much (Philippians 4:11-12)
Hatred
- Many people hate those who are successful & prosperous – want them to be punished with taxes & regulations
- A Christian’s attitude should be one of love (1 Corinthians 16:14)
- We are to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 15:14) and be concerned with the interests of others (Philippians 2:4)
Slothfulness
- Some cannot work, but many are unwilling to work & demand the government subsidize their laziness – so they vote for the candidate they believe will keep their money coming in each month without interruption
- As Christians, if we are able to work, we must be willing to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10) – must be hardworking (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Racism
- Many voted for the President based upon race – just how many, we’ll never know; but it was a factor
- All men are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) & share a common ancestry (Acts 17:26) – therefore, all are equal
- God does not show partiality (Acts 10:34) – we should not show partiality, for or against anyone, based upon their race
Sexual Immorality
- Growing number fighting for acceptance of homosexuality and the establishment of same-sex marriage
- Homosexuality is clearly condemned in Scripture (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10)
- Marriage is between one man & one woman (Matthew 19:4-6) & is to be held in honor (Hebrews 13:4) – it is the place God intended for one to enjoy sexual relations
- Many view sex before marriage as completely normal – but wanting to escape consequences, demand free contraceptives & abortion services
Abortion
- This issue is framed as a “women’s rights” issue – that’s not what it is; it is murder
- The life of the unborn is just as valuable as the life of one who has been born (Exodus 21:22-23; Luke 1:41; 2:12) – abortion ends a human life that was made in God’s image (Psalm 139:13-16)
- The divinely ordained role of government is to punish those who do evil (Romans 13:4) – sadly, many demand the government condone and even fund the evil practice of abortion
Broken Homes
- God designed the home to be a place where children could be provided for, led, taught, and nurtured by a father & mother (Ephesians 5:22-23; 6:4; 1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:4-5)
- Unfortunately, too many men do not want to fulfill their responsibilities – mothers are left to raise children on their own; government money & programs often seen as the best solution for this sad situation
- If homes were as God intended, such government money/programs would be largely unnecessary
Idolatry
- Many who reject God have made government their god – this was done with Herod (Acts 12:22); Why? … their livelihood depended upon Herod (Acts 12:20)
- God, not government, is the source of “every good thing” and “every perfect gift” (James 1:17) – therefore, we look to God first for our blessings
- But when people forsake God, they will turn elsewhere for their needs – for many, this is government
Conclusion
- The way to fix the greatest problems in our country is not through legislation or government programs – it is through a change in people’s hearts (Proverbs 14:34)
- The results of this election may be disappointing – but it should remind us of the great need to teach the gospel & promote righteousness in our lives
Read the article: Did God Put Barack Obama in the White House?
