Dear Church of the Open Bible,
The results are in. Our neighbouring nation to the south just had its sixtieth presidential election, voting Donald Trump to his second term as president. There are many responses, and demands for responses, to this news but as Christians, we have a unique calling. Part of this calling is highlighted in 1 Timothy 2:1-2:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Notice how Paul ties our peaceful and godly lifestyle to the truth of the gospel. As Canadian believers, this feels like a bit of a practice run. We have the opportunity to watch our hearts and practice our response as we anticipate our own federal election in the near future. So let us pray for President Trump to seek God’s wisdom and lead with a servant’s heart. Let us also pray that our American brothers and sisters would live and speak in such a way that the gospel would go forth powerfully.