What happens if the one you don’t vote for wins?
The Declaration of Independence for the United States proclaims, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” We live in a democracy which means we have freedom to think, speak, act, and live our lives as we desire. However, what we do, ultimately, affects our community.
When we vote for a president, the thoughts that run through citizens’ minds focus on the candidate’s overall knowledge of and capability to lead our country. Will the candidate stand on and/or improve issues that face our nation? But you ask, “Do we have to love him or her?”
I believe we should respect the presidential office. Yes, there are presidents who were elected for whom I did not vote, but their decisions have affected the world. If I believe God and believe in His love, then I am going to remember that I extend love to everyone. St. Matthew 5:44 says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” That means, even the President for whom I did not vote and who does not care about every issue the way I do. I believe that our duty as citizens and especially if we are citizens who represent Christ, is to pray for them.
In terms of obedience, as citizens of the United States, we are to obey the laws that govern us. The president who is elected also must abide by the same governing laws and principles. We are not in a dictatorship and pretty much continue to live our lives freely. We can disagree with a president and still be honorable, responsible and gracious. As I disagree with a president, I still abide by the laws and overall principles of the Constitution. It is easy to love and obey people with whom we agree. I do not have to obey everything that comes from a president’s administration. But I must obey the laws that govern our United States, or I will reap the consequences of my disobedience.
The office of the President of the United States is to be respected. The person who presides in the office of the President of the United States holds an office we should respect. I can disagree with the person’s ideas, actions, words, and decisions. But, I can pray that God would direct that person’s decisions. In the meantime, unless God says otherwise, I submit the laws of the land like the Bible says in Hebrews 13:17.
