On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, one of the bedrock concepts of our national pride will be the peaceful transfer of power when Joe Biden becomes the next President of the United States. The storming of the Capitol was a disgrace to Americans and can not be tolerated.  It grieved my heart, and I am fervently praying for a peaceful transfer of power on the 20^th.  I did not vote for Joe Biden.  In fact, I have very strong concerns over his policies and the direction of the democrat party.  In light of that, how should other Christians like me respond?

On January 20, Joe Biden will be, legally and constitutionally, my President. Not only is he my President, but he has also been divinely given that enormous task (Romans 13:1-3). He is God’s servant (Romans 13:4). Therefore, I will respect the office and will support my President when I am able and when he does not go against my conscience and biblical mandates. When his policies stand in contrast to the Word of God, I will anchor myself to God and follow Him.  I will faithfully pray for him and his administration (1 Timothy 2:1-2). As a pastor of a Southern Baptist Church, I will continually point the church to Jesus Christ.  We will evangelize the lost, exalt a resurrected Jesus, and encourage one another with the promise of a glorious future. I will continually remind them our hope and faith are in God (1 Peter 1:21). We will grow God’s Kingdom on earth until He comes again. 

I saw this on Twitter this week, and it blessed me.  As we get a new administration in the White House, I’ll continue to do what I have always done. Here is a list of 9 great spiritual habits that will be very effective for God’s Church in the coming years:

Be faithful to God.
Be bold that the Bible is authoritative.
Be ardent to pursue moral excellence.
Be unconditionally in loving others.
Be fervent in prayer.
Be ready to service.
Be desperate for the Spirit’s filling.
Be quick with a Gospel witness.
Be joyful in your salvation.[1]

I’m not sure what the next few years will hold.  I am concerned about matters of religious freedom, the sanctity of both life and marriage.  I worry about the control and power of a big government.  However, I am not worried about the Body of Christ.  I will keep my faith firmly rooted and established in Jesus.  I will love God with all my heart and love others as Christ has loved me.  I will stand for the truth of Scripture no matter the cost.  I absolutely love the United States of America and pray for her daily.  I will pray for my President, and I all lead the people under my care well. 

On Sunday, our Associate Pastor of Worship and the Worship team led us in a wonderfully moving time of worship.  Two songs they sang stuck in my heart and gave me a lot of comfort during these difficult days. “In Christ Alone” by Keith and Kristyn Getty is currently one of my favorite songs.  The last verse was especially meaningful to me.

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from his hand
‘Til he returns or calls me home
Here, in the power of Christ, I stand

Isn’t that a good word for Jesus’ Body?  It is a reminder that no scheme of man could ever pluck me from His hand.  It is in the power of Christ we’ll take our stand.  The other song we sang was “Christ, The Sure and Steady Anchor” by Matt Papa.  The title alone is such a comfort to my soul.  Read a few of these lyrics and allow them to be a hope and anchor for your weary soul.

Christ the sure and steady Anchor
In the fury of the storm
When the winds of doubt blow through me
And my sails have all been torn

In the suffering, in the sorrow
When my sinking hopes are few
I will hold fast to the Anchor
It shall never be removed

Christ the sure of our salvation
Ever faithful, ever true
We will hold fast to the Anchor
It shall never be removed

During uncertain times, Jesus is our sure and steady anchor.  He alone is our hope.  Anchor fast to Him.  Stand in the power of Christ.  Love God more than anything in this world and love others more than you love yourself.  The Church has survived for nearly 2000 years. The next four will not be her demise.  Jesus is Lord and King.

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[1]               Philip Nation is a great follow on Twitter.  I found this list of nine items from on his feed. You can follow Philip @philipnation.