We are a nation divided.

The recent election has clearly

demonstrated that these United States are anything but united. The country

is severely divided along gender, racial, economic, and philosophical

lines.

Amidst all the excitement of

the week just past, there is a sobering reality that polarization exists

in America to a staggering degree. There really is a "culture war"

in progress.

Even among Christians there

are greatly diverse opinions on the fitness of the man elected to sit

in the White House. No mandate was issued in last Tuesday's election,

no confidence expressed in either party. When the adrenaline subsides

and the news commentators have turned to other issues, the reality of

a divided nation, even in the midst of peace and prosperity, remains.

There will be a tendency, in

the aftermath of such an intense campaign, to engage in finger-pointing,

rancorous speech, and divisive conduct. Anger, already on an alarming

increase among normal citizens in America, is likely to increase.

Half of all Americans will

feel a sense of bitter disappointment, perhaps even betrayal. Already,

people who take seriously the business of politics are gearing up for

full battle. It's a potentially frightening situation.

It's time, especially for

those in the Church, to take a step back, draw a deep breath, and

refocus on a biblical perspective.

First of all, particularly

for those who are severely disappointed, it is vital to remember that

the results of the election just past reflect the expressed will of God.

St. Paul said in Romans 13:1, "For there is no authority except from

God, and those which exist are established by God."

This passage warrants some

meditation on the part of people who are in the throes of bitter disappointment.

Paul, in his day, is referring specifically to the powers of the Roman

Empire, certainly no friend of the Church. In fact, the Roman authorities

would murder Paul, and a good number of the other apostles. Yet, he declares

that even these pagan rulers govern by the will of God.

The United States has a

government that has first passed the approval of God, even though the

reasons for this may remain a great mystery. Paul says that every citizen

should "be in subjection to the governing authorities" (Romans

13:1a). The apostle writes to Titus, instructing him to "Remind them

to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for

every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious..." (Titus

3:1-2a).

Secondly, it is the role of

the Church and the Christian to prayerfully intercede for the government

and for those who occupy office. Peter declares that believers comprise

a great "royal priesthood," (1 Peter 2:9), and part of the role

of a priest is to intercede, that is, to pray.

One wonders if the Church

had regularly and publicly prayed for President William Clinton if, perhaps,

the Clinton family and the nation might have been spared the ugly spectacle

of immorality and impeachment.

Sadly, Americans, including

Christians, would rather complain than pray. There seems to be in our

national DNA a propensity to gripe. "God has called us to peace"

(I Corinthians 7:15b), not to strife and contention. God has called his

Church to pray for authorities, not to contend with them.

It is difficult for the Church

to speak prophetically against immorality and injustice (which it must

do from time to time), with any moral authority, if it is not being obedient

in the call to pray. Churches should pray for the government (not against

it) each and every Sunday.

Thirdly, we are called to trust

in God in the midst of undesirable situations. God is neither Republican

nor Democrat, although he can use either to his own purpose.

In the ancient past, God

used the Chaldeans, a "fierce and impetuous people," to punish

Israel (Habakkuk 1:6a), and, in the times of the early Church, he used

the Roman Empire to refine and to scatter the Church so that the world

might be evangelized.

When we look at our own desires

and agendas, we may become bitterly disappointed. But when we remember

that God is in control, then, if we will be obedient to his Word, we may

relax, pray for those in authority, and trust God to work out his own

will and plan.

The hope of the nation is not

found in Austin, in Nashville, or in Washington. "If my people who

are called by my Name humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and

turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive

their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The hope

of the nation is found in an obedient and praying Church and in God.

[Father David Epps is rector

of Christ the King Church in south metro Atlanta. He may be contacted

at [email protected] or at www.ChristTheKingCEC.com.]