Not My President (1 John 4:9-10)

“Don’t blame me for the problems of this country, I didn’t vote for him. He’s not my President.”

One may assume that it is typical of the current political climate but this type of rhetoric has been spewed for most of American history. American citizens are fortunate and blessed to live in a country that allows freedom of speech. We are allowed to disagree with our leaders and voice our disapproval. The most powerful action we can take is to vote. 

Through the years, I have witnessed vitriolic statements issued by citizens of all political leanings. Conservative, moderate, or liberal-there is no distinction. It may be as benign as the statement above or escalate to hate speech. Regardless, the sentiment is the same. If one did not vote for a politician currently in office, they do not represent one’s interests. It is incorrect but matters little to the citizen. 

What about God? Politics and religion are the most polarizing subjects for everyone. One could easily substitute God for the above statement.

“Don’t blame me for the problems in this world, I don’t believe in Him. He’s not my God.”

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 

1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)

Unlike a politician, God is not voted into His position. He is eternal, existing outside of time, space, and matter. He must because He created everything. Whether one agrees with His judgments and rules, He is everyone’s God. Like the President, the choice is whether one accepts His authority in one’s life. The only difference? If one chooses not to receive the President, an opportunity to change occurs every four years. If one chooses not to receive God, the time to change one’s mind will extend throughout one’s life. However, when we take our last breath, there is no other chance. When we reject God’s free offer to confess and repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we reject salvation and eternal life. We chose another god, ourselves, and are condemned to be separated from God’s love, grace, and mercy. 

Not my President? No worries. 

Not my God? No hope.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.