Friends in Christ Weekly Message
November 8, 2000

My kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36 (NIV*)

"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." All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV*)

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 (NIV*)

Here in the United States, we held national elections yesterday, but tonight it is still uncertain who was elected President. The results at least potentially have significant effects for Americans, and perhaps for me more than most as I am a Federal employee. But whether the next President is George W. Bush or Al Gore, it seems to me my ultimate loyalty must be the same.

There is uncertainty as to the political future in my earthly country, and whom is to be at the top of the hierarchy for me as a civil servant. But Presidents and political appointees come and go, while there is always the same God.

As Christians, we are to respect the earthly authorities and to obey their laws as long as we can do so without being disobedient to the law of Christ. But we are to live in Christ's kingdom which is not of this world, and to look first to following the greatest commandment and the one like it that come from God.

So while this may seem to be a time of uncertainty for the country, I can rest in the certainties that do not change with the times. I am to pray for those in political leadership, whomever they may be, but look to the living Christ as the ruler of my life.

Are you focused on the outcome of the election returns, or on following the eternal great commandments which Jesus reminded us of? Can you say with Joshua, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."?

Bill Samuel

* New International Version © International Bible Society.

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