Controversial Election Aftermath

Last night was no doubt a turning point for our country. The controversy among America however is whether it was a good or bad turning point. Now I am not on here to make my opinion, I actually wanted to address something else. This morning, November 5th, I received a couple text message forwards both saying the same thing: "If Obama wins the election we are going to wear black shirts tomorrow to mourn the death of our country..." And then of course the all familiar "pass this on to all your friends" bit at the end.

Now I looked at this astonished and thought okay that COULD be funny but it just isn't. I immediately prayed and said "God what do I do about this?" God reminded me of an interview someone told me about. (Sadly I do not remember who it was that said this and when interviewed. If you know of what I am talking about PLEASE let me know because I have been searching for it this afternoon and haven't found it yet!) The interviewer asked, "Do you think democracy will last in the U.S.? The man being interviewed replied, "there is no way it will last because democracy requires respect and respect in our country dwindles day by day."

Now don't quote me exactly, I am going off of memory which apparently isn't great since I can't remember who said it but that is what he said more or less - that democracy requires respect. Now this text message going around is the opposite of respect. McCain in his conceding speech asked all his supporters to get behind Obama and help him. So we are giving McCain a bad name claiming to be his supporters and we are also belittling ourselves by showing that we have no respect for those in authority over us. You may not be happy about who won the election but you do not go around wearing black sending a message that Obama being president has killed our nation!

God sets up everyone in authority - there were good and bad kings in the bible too - not all leaders are good. And we don't know yet whether Obama will be or not, but please be respectful. He is the leader of our country like it or not and deserves respect. If you are a christian you are called to show respect to EVERYONE - 1 Peter 2: 13-19. and just in case you are not able to go find your bible and read this right now here it is for you:

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to the governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;live as servants of God. Show respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

So if you have received this text message or maybe are even wearing a black shirt right now do me a favor, do not forward it and take the shirt off and put something else on. For we are to do good and be the example - not be the ones complaining and slandering and tearing down but building each other up.

So show some respect, please no matter what side you are on. Thank you.