By Julie Jaunese
On April 30, 1789 the first President of the United States was sworn in at the capital of our nation at the time, New York City, at Federal Hall. In George Washington’s address he said, “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.” He went on to say “It would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes.” George Washington then walked with his newly sworn-in Senate, House of Representatives and his cabinet to a small church in New York, St. Paul’s Chapel, to kneel and pray and dedicate this nation to God. There was a proclamation in force for that day as well for the people of the United States of America, compelling each person to go to their house of worship at 9:00 a.m. and pray for the nation.
This is only one example of the long history of Christian faith and values that our nation was founded upon. We are soon faced with an important presidential election and there are four candidates who are asking for our vote. This year seems a more difficult choice than ever. These men and women are not perfect, but then, neither are we. I can testify to the mercy and forgiveness of God in my own life. It is only by God’s grace that any of us stand.
So how can we choose? We all have the Word of God in our hands and God gave us Ten Commandments. We also have the power of prayer.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." II Chronicles 7:14-16 We need to pray…for ourselves, for our candidates, for our still great nation, and for the world that our children and grandchildren will inherit. And we need to look at what each candidate stands for and against, and compare it to what God is for and against. There are so many issues facing our nation and world, but who most aligns with a Biblical world view? As hard as it may be to tell sometimes… this should still be our greatest standard as a Christian. In any office, who will most lead towards values that are taught in the Bible?
You probably thought I would tell you who you should vote for, didn’t you? Nope. When I stand before God, I don’t want to answer for anyone but myself. And I am thankful that while I have a responsibility and privilege to cast my vote, I also have faith to believe that in the end, God is still in control!
One more thing, where will you be on inauguration day? No matter who wins, we should take action and be on our knees in prayer thanking God for all he has given us and asking for His protection for our nation and wisdom for all of those leading us.