For many Conservatives, it was difficult to watch President Obama being sworn into office for his second term on Monday. The pomp and circumstance only served as a reminder of the elections we’ve lost, our eroding freedoms, and the deterioration of the Judeo-Christian values this country was founded upon. I have to imagine, I’m not the only one who out of frustration declared the American electorate deserving of every unfortunate outcome that results from their poor choice in a President (as if some sort of satisfaction can be achieved by seeing our country suffer consequences worthy of an “I-told-you-so”).

While these feelings are typical of our human nature, I have to admit, they are not very Christ-like. So many of us who lean to the right politically are concerned with the left’s total disregard for God’s law; yet, what does it say about our own faith when we find even a scintilla of gratification in the suffering of others? Desiring that the darkness in this world gets a little darker, not only makes us worse than our opponents (many of whom don’t know any better), it makes us no better than Satan himself.

Obedience to God’s law is proof of faith. If the majority of Americans are not living by faith, then we have our work cut out for us. And I’m not talking about more rallies, calls to our congressmen, or financial backing of a particular candidate. I’m talking about prayer—petitioning God to forgive those who know not what they do, just as Jesus did for all of us. I’m talking about loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44). 

Of course we must fight against evil in this world. But we should never do so by repaying evil for evil (1 Peter 3:9). So as we continue forward in our political pursuits, standing guard over all the things we hold most dear in this world, let us not forget to also guard something so much more important—our hearts.

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Married 12 years and mother to four children, Dana Matas is a published writer with a professional background in marketing communications, copywriting and community organizing. Her desire to contribute to society has driven her to hold positions of influence and leadership in church, her children’s school, and the community where she lives. She has also served as a spokesperson on television, in print and online for various organizations she supports. Since re-dedicating her life to Christ, Dana is using her God-given love for writing and enthusiasm for the Lord as a source of encouragement for others on her blog, Confessions of a Busy Mama.

Related Blog Posts:  Saving America Requires a Savior

Research Sources:  Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis:  1941; Standing in the Gap, Larry Osborn; North Coast Church:  2013