As we approach November and the presidential elections, we see more and more venomous mudslinging. People from each side are threatening to revolt if the candidate from the “other side” gets voted into office. The verbal attacks and things that are said about our current president (whether you like him or not) reveal that we have no regard for the leadership or the offices of authority in this nation. And this comes despite the fact that God’s word says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1. But then, we don’t respect God’s authority as a nation any longer either. Without it, there will be no submission to authority because there will be no love, honor, or respect for authority.

No matter who is voted into office in November, God has allowed them to take hold of the position of President of the United States. And as such, they are due respect. I may not be happy about who takes office, but I will respect the office of President.

If we don’t respect God’s authority, we will not respect those whom He says are worthy of honor and respect. We, therefore, do not respect the leaders of our nation. We do not respect the leaders of our state and local governments. And we certainly do not respect our superiors at work. “You must not dishonor God or curse any of your rulers.” Exodus 22:28.

We are then shocked when our children do not respect their teachers, nor do they respect and honor their parents and extended family. “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16.

We even struggle to respect our Spiritual leaders! “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17.

When we do not honor and respect God, we lack respect for all other authority. “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” Romans 13:2.

The problems with this nation and this world are not pollution, racial bias, or what political party is in power. The problem with this nation and our world is that we do not love and honor our God. And therefore, we do not love and honor one another.

Jesus gave us the two greatest commandments. “Jesus replied: “‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39.

This nation needs to begin to love and submit to God again. When we do, we will love and honor the authorities placed over us and those around us as well. But that will not happen until we love and honor God.

So, for those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ (because we love and honor God), we must show love and honor to others. And this starts with those who have been placed in authority over us. Whether our parents, supervisor at work, church leader/pastor, God said they deserve love and honor. And whether a government official or President of the United States, God says show love and honor. When we do, we glorify God and point others to Him. “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT).

There is a hurting and dying (eternally) world around us that needs a relationship with the God of all creation. They need to see Him. And that won’t happen if we aren’t revealing Him through our supernatural love for Him and those around us… even those in authority.

This land and people need the healing that only comes from God. And He promised that if we would bow the knee and pray, He would heal our land. “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.” 2 Chronicles 7:19.

Let’s honor those that God has placed over us, love those around us, show God all the love and honor He is worthy of, and PRAY for this nation. God desires to heal our land, but His people need to ask. So, let’s start asking!

Father God, forgive us when we rob you of glory by not showing the proper honor and respect for those that you have placed in authority over us. Forgive us for not showing You the honor and respect that you are due. Help us to glorify you to those around us and to supernaturally love and honor them and all those in authority over us. Be glorified in us Father. And, Lord, we bow the knee and pray with urgency (and fervently) that you would heal our land. We love you and pray this in your precious and holy name, Jesus.

Do you have trouble honoring and respecting those in authority over you? Do you struggle with how to love and honor God? Then, please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and pray the prayer that is outlined there. God wants to start healing this land one person at a time. And He wants to begin with you! He loves you and wants an intimate and personal relationship with you. Please pray that prayer and, once you have, reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com. I’d love to be in prayer with and for you!

Luv Ya!