It is often the mantra of Christians, especially after their preferred candidate loses an election, to say, “We don’t put our trust in governments or leaders but in God.” Well and good, but God institutes leaders – and the type of leader He mandates over a nation is a form of blessing or curse. The impact is real – as we are seeing very clearly now. When government leaders and policymakers allow themselves to be guided by a Judeo-Christian worldview – as were America’s Founders - it makes a huge difference, not just in the policies and actions of government institutions, but in the hearts and minds of the governed: from individuals in their homes to sports organizations to school boards to mega-corporations.
I have witnessed this firsthand. My “coming of age” years took place during the Obama administration – and while I did not agree with his policies or support the actions taken in government at that time – I later realized the huge impact it made in the development of my heart and mind.
A few days before the election in 2020, I wrote on Facebook:
“12 years ago, I had the privilege of voting in the presidential election for the first time. Sadly, my candidate of choice did not win. I consoled myself that things were not all that bad and that it did not make a great difference to me personally. However, imperceptibly, under the Obama administration, I did lose heart. I lost faith in America, in our government, in both political parties, in my fellow Americans, and our future as a whole. As it turns out, a country’s leadership does make a difference in the lives of people on a personal level, whether they realize it or not.
Fortunately, I got the chance to see the transformation a worthy leader means for our country and for every individual American - to rediscover hope, dignity, strength, pride, and our national spirit.
I pray to God that we don’t have to suffer through the next four years again, being constantly told that we, as Americans, are weak, foolish, needy, victimized, or guilty. Instead, we need a bold leader to bring us to our full potential.”
Once again, after four more years of suffering under the yoke of a cruel and corrupt government administration and after being constantly barraged with abuse and provocations intended to lead people to believe that American citizens, Christians, and conservatives are stupid, dangerous, and helpless, we have the miraculous opportunity to witness the reverse in action.
In just a matter of weeks, taking the lead from the policies of the new government administration, corporations have scrubbed some of their liberal agendas, sports organizations have barred men from women’s sports, nations have modified their policies and interactions with the U.S., unjust legal battles against conservatives have been ended – and every day is chock-full of reasons for God-fearing individuals to praise God.
The people of the United States made a choice, and the nature of that choice is affecting the hearts and lives of even those who previously stood in bold opposition to the values it represents.
It is true that we as a nation must put our trust in God, and as we do so, we must put in place godly leaders who will act on moral and biblical values, protect the vulnerable, and defend the nation.
