By DAVID EPPS
Pastor

We are a nation divided.

The recent election has clearly demonstrated that these United States are anything but united. The country is severely divided along gender, racial, economic, and philosophical lines.

Amidst all the excitement of the week just past, there is a sobering reality that polarization exists in America to a staggering degree. There really is a "culture war" in progress.

Even among Christians there are greatly diverse opinions on the fitness of the man elected to sit in the White House. No mandate was issued in last Tuesday's election, no confidence expressed in either party. When the adrenaline subsides and the news commentators have turned to other issues, the reality of a divided nation, even in the midst of peace and prosperity, remains.

There will be a tendency, in the aftermath of such an intense campaign, to engage in finger-pointing, rancorous speech, and divisive conduct. Anger, already on an alarming increase among normal citizens in America, is likely to increase.

Half of all Americans will feel a sense of bitter disappointment, perhaps even betrayal. Already, people who take seriously the business of politics are gearing up for full battle. It's a potentially frightening situation.

It's time, especially for those in the Church, to take a step back, draw a deep breath, and refocus on a biblical perspective.

First of all, particularly for those who are severely disappointed, it is vital to remember that the results of the election just past reflect the expressed will of God. St. Paul said in Romans 13:1, "For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God."

This passage warrants some meditation on the part of people who are in the throes of bitter disappointment. Paul, in his day, is referring specifically to the powers of the Roman Empire, certainly no friend of the Church. In fact, the Roman authorities would murder Paul, and a good number of the other apostles. Yet, he declares that even these pagan rulers govern by the will of God.

The United States has a government that has first passed the approval of God, even though the reasons for this may remain a great mystery. Paul says that every citizen should "be in subjection to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1a). The apostle writes to Titus, instructing him to "Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious..." (Titus 3:1-2a).

Secondly, it is the role of the Church and the Christian to prayerfully intercede for the government and for those who occupy office. Peter declares that believers comprise a great "royal priesthood," (1 Peter 2:9), and part of the role of a priest is to intercede, that is, to pray.

One wonders if the Church had regularly and publicly prayed for President William Clinton if, perhaps, the Clinton family and the nation might have been spared the ugly spectacle of immorality and impeachment.

Sadly, Americans, including Christians, would rather complain than pray. There seems to be in our national DNA a propensity to gripe. "God has called us to peace" (I Corinthians 7:15b), not to strife and contention. God has called his Church to pray for authorities, not to contend with them.

It is difficult for the Church to speak prophetically against immorality and injustice (which it must do from time to time), with any moral authority, if it is not being obedient in the call to pray. Churches should pray for the government (not against it) each and every Sunday.

Thirdly, we are called to trust in God in the midst of undesirable situations. God is neither Republican nor Democrat, although he can use either to his own purpose.

In the ancient past, God used the Chaldeans, a "fierce and impetuous people," to punish Israel (Habakkuk 1:6a), and, in the times of the early Church, he used the Roman Empire to refine and to scatter the Church so that the world might be evangelized.

When we look at our own desires and agendas, we may become bitterly disappointed. But when we remember that God is in control, then, if we will be obedient to his Word, we may relax, pray for those in authority, and trust God to work out his own will and plan.

The hope of the nation is not found in Austin, in Nashville, or in Washington. "If my people who are called by my Name humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The hope of the nation is found in an obedient and praying Church and in God.

[Father David Epps is rector of Christ the King Church in south metro Atlanta. He may be contacted at FatherDavidEpps@aol.com or at www.ChristTheKingCEC.com.]

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