How to Handle a President

In the days and weeks following the inauguration of President Barack Obama, there was a swarm of news stories, editorials, and commentary on the historic nature of the event. As Americans we can all celebrate the fact that we have made this historic stride in electing our first African-American president. Several weeks have passed since this momentous day, and some semblance of normalcy is settling in. Washington has rolled up their collective sleeves and gone back to work. Yet, despite the constant call for a change in approach with the dawn of this new day, things already appear to be slipping back into their old routine. Bickering, animosity and bitter discourse have dominated the political scene both from our elected leaders and our fellow countrymen. What is worse, even some of our fellow Christians have been contributing to this chaotic scene. So, as we make our way through another presidency, another congress, and another few years, let us lay some ground rules as to how a Christian who desires to be faithful with his or her politics can engage in this tumultuous political climate.

First, a few words to those who voted against our current president: while this should go without saying, it seems from time to time we need to be reminded to respect the elected officials that God has given us. The hatred that was directed towards President Bush can be taken as a prime example of what not to do. No matter how much one disagrees with the policies of a of leader, we are commanded by God to pray for him or her, and to respect him or her. If we do disagree with a policy stance, let us disagree in such a manner as to not depredate the Body of Christ, as one man in the recent March for Life in Washington D.C. did by carrying a sign that said, “Impeach Adolf Obama.”

Now, a few words to those who voted for our current president: we must not fall into the same trap that we so easily criticized the right for during the Bush Administration. No matter how much we may like President Obama, he is not the messiah, nor is he always going to do implement policy that we should support. When he does advocate a policy that contradicts Scripture, let us have the integrity to stand up to him, instead of finding a way to justify every position he takes. Just as the Religious Right succumbed to blindly following President Bush, so too the left is just as vulnerable to being a group of mindless supporters of President Obama.

Politics will always be a messy game. But as followers of Christ we must strive to stay above the mire that so easily entangles all who approach the realm of public policy. As we engage the sphere of political action these next few years, let us do so in a manner that first and foremost brings glory, not shame, to our Savior.