A local pastor, known for his choice not to discuss politics from the pulpit, addressed the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump. He first expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and called for continued prayers; then asked a simple question: Do you pray for our leaders?
“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, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth,” (I Tim 2:1–4).
The wise, albeit young, pastor went on to remind his parishioners that they had no right to criticize their leaders unless they had obeyed the command to pray for them. He acknowledged the challenges the country has and will continue to face in the next several months but urged his congregation to recognize the value in each human being, as they were made in the image of God. Though it is the lack of hierarchy in human value that makes Christianity unique, it can be easily forgotten in a culture that glorifies the temporary and ignores the eternal. To prepare for the coming days, the pastor asked them to remember who it is that they serve, instructing them beware of the encouragement of divisiveness through vitriolic speech on social media platforms. During this time of uncertainty, he then challenged his church to consider three things before making any future decisions.
The First ~ Examine the Past
The call to examine the past can either be filled with fear or elation, as it requires the acknowledgement of both failure and triumph. However, as the pastor was quick to point out, while it is important to learn from the past, always beware of living in the past. Just as the hurt or the shame-ridden may ruminate in their past failures, those who were prosperous may long for a time past, wanting to relive their good fortune by looking in the rearview mirror (McCloud). Therefore, in praying for world leaders, believers all around the world, and particularly in the United States, should ask for their reflection, considering the policies of the past, their failures, and their successes to responsibly move forward in a manner that promotes peace and prosperity to its citizens.
The Second ~ Evaluate the Present
The pastor then asked his flock to reflect on the present, explaining that in the examination of the prior consequences, they will be better able to give an honest appraisal of the present. And if in their reflection, if they were disenchanted with what they saw around them, the congregation was then asked to evaluate their priorities. But the evaluation of the present requires humility, as rarely is a circumstance created merely by chance. Fortunately, it is never too late to change course, but it most often requires turning away from one thing to turn towards another. This principle can be applied to not only the individual but to the country, as leaders determine what the United States will look like in five, ten, or fifty years; remembering that while the short-sighted will focus only on the immediate, the wise will set their sights on what lies ahead.
The Third~ The Plan
The last step, according to the pastor, was the one that would require the most work, as it necessitates premeditated action. Though the action may take on many forms, none will be without a plan, which may be as simple as creating a list of goals along with the necessary steps in achieving such goals. Likewise, lawmakers and leaders have a unique opportunity to formulate a plan, creating a roadmap for the country that provides subsequent generations with social, economic, and environmental stability. But, as with any worthwhile endeavors, they must be met with a commitment to demonstrate integrity in our actions, not only in our words.
Author’s Notes~ Hope for the Future
“The natural desire of the rational creature is to know everything that belongs to the perfection of the intellect, namely, the species and the genera of things and their types, and this everyone who sees the Divine essence will see in God. But to know other singulars, their thoughts and their deeds does not belong to the perfection of the created intellect, nor does its natural desire tend to these things,” (Aquinas).
While the country’s citizens do not have the ability to prevent all misconduct, nor can they atone for all instances of corruption, they do have power to change the political tenor through their actions. Therefore, it is the job of all who consider themselves Christians to remember that the behavior at home, superior to that which is modeled in the highest offices, will be replicated by the innocent who are watching with wide eyes. For it is the culmination of a series of insignificant decisions that, over time, will serve to define a person’s significance. While the senses may not always be able to be trusted, God’s infallible truths can, which should bring hope and healing to all those who put their trust in him.
