During July we are reminded of the blessings God gives us through our nation and through good government. We are kept safe and we are able to freely worship the true God without fear of the government interfering with our worship. For these and many other blessings that God gives us through our nation we ought to be thankful to God.

God is clear in his Word that we have a responsibility toward our government:

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. (1 Peter 2:13–14 NIV)

This and other Bible passages remind us to respect our leaders. Proper respect will show itself in attitudes and in words. How we talk about our leaders reflects the attitude of our hearts. Let God’s Word set your attitude as you are moved by God’s grace to show respect to our leaders.

At the same time, the Bible warns us not to put our faith in our leaders. They are God’s servants to do good for us, but that doesn’t mean that they have replaced God. The Psalmist says:

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. (Psalm 118:9 NIV)

Or Isaiah was inspired to write:

Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? (Isaiah 2:22 NIV)

In particular, this reminds us that the right leader is not what will solve all our nation’s problems. God is still God. His grace is what we need, not a “prince” who belongs to the right political party. To trust in people is foolishness.

In Isaiah God said:

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord. (Isaiah 31:1 NIV)

What a vivid picture for God’s people. Political alliances don’t lead us to prosper. Trusting in our mighty military is a misplaced trust. Look, instead, to the Holy One, the Lord! He is hope and your Savior. He provides “daily bread” for our earthly needs and his grace for our spiritual needs. Looking at him first, you will see even more blessings in our nation for you will see how he provides you opportunity to grow closer to Jesus. That is a blessing for this life and for eternity.

Pastor Tim Wempner