Today begins a new era in American politics. We have a new President. I’m not sure how I feel. I suppose my two primary emotions are hope and fear. Hope for good things that have been promised. Fear because I don’t know what President Trump will do.

I can’t help but feel that we have a divided country today. Some are glad for the new President. Some are very, very angry at our new President, even claiming ‘He is not my President.’ We have always had winners and losers. It is part of life. This reminds me of the recent Michigan/Ohio football game. Though Ohio won, there was controversy over several calls. But Ohio still won. I’m hoping that we can unify together and make our country better.

You may be happy or you may be sad that Donald Trump is our next President. You may even claim he is not legitimate. However, as a Christian, I have three responsibilities toward the new President. And, yes, if Hillary Clinton, or anybody else became President I would still have posted this. This has nothing to do with who is President. It has everything to do with me as a Christian.

1 – RESPECT YOUR PRESIDENT.

I think this is the hardest. Regardless of how we feel about a leaders, we are commanded to respect that person.

“Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17). Even though Peter commanded to ‘honor all men’ he emphasized to ‘honor the king.’ I think it is easy to dishonor anyone in authority. But Christians are commanded to honor the king.

Peter used the word ‘king’ to represent anyone in political authority. The Jews had no king and the Romans had no king. The political leader at the time was Nero, who was definitely not an honorable man. We are to honor our President regardless of our feelings or his performance.

The disrespect and anger that is expressed against Donald Trump is unChristian. Followers of Jesus are better than this. We may not like policies, rhetoric, or attitude, but our disrespect for our President says more about our character than it does him.

2 – PRAY FOR YOUR PRESIDENT.

Something we all can do is pray for President Trump. Pray is a simple act that can be done anywhere at anytime.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Someone may wonder what to pray about? I have always found it helpful to pray God’s will. In the Lord’s Prayer, we are encouraged to pray “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10). Pray that God’s will is done to the President and that the President would do God’s will. I think it is also important to pray that God will bless the President.

Prayer for our President is the best resource to have peace in our society. God promises that as we pray for all those in authority, God will send peace and quiet. Pray not only for President Trump, but also all in authority: governors, law enforcement, school leadership, pastors, etc.

3 – HOPE IN GOD.

The ultimate answer is not in the White House. It is on the White Throne. No person no matter how good or godly can be our savior. Only Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. So, don’t put much hope in a new President. Put your hope in Jesus.

“Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him.” (Psalm 62:5). No matter how many promises made, only God can give the power to fulfill and He alone knows the future. So, our primary trust and hope must be in God.

Every new venture has its hopes and dreams. But regardless of all the positive rhetoric, only God knows and controls the future. Presidents come and go, but God remains. Stick with Him.

I am hopeful about our future. As I listened to President Trumps Inaugural address, I couldn’t help but be optimistically negative. I hope it happens, but I doubt it. I want America to be great. But regardless, God is great! And that is more than sufficient for me.

How do you feel about President Trump? Are you hopeful? Are you fearful?

You can read some of my similar articles: The Christian and Politics, My Response to Anti-Trump Protests, 3 Things You Can Do For America.