THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

We desperately need God to hear our prayers at this time in our nation’s history. We should not do or say anything that would hinder our prayers. As fathers who seek to be an example to our families, we must be very careful how we speak against leadership in the land, whether it be in the federal, state, or local government. We should also encourage our wives and children to be careful in this matter.

I repent for my loose, unbridled tongue in speaking against those in authority who are not consistent with the Word of God. Even though they are the enemies of truth, we should not let our hearts get into a state where we cannot pray for them in a way that God would be able to answer our prayers.

Colossians 3:19: “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”

1 Peter 3:7: “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them (your wives) according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.”

Men, God will not hear our prayers if we are bitter toward our wives. The same principle applies if we are hateful and bitter against our fellow man.

1 Timothy 2:1-4: “I exhort therefore, that FIRST OF ALL, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

The first thing we should do when we gather together is to pray for our leaders, not denounce them.

Ephesians 6:12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

We can scripturally bind the forces of darkness that motivate and control our physical enemies. However, there is need for great carefulness when we glibly show bitterness and disrespect for those who are in places of authority. We should always respect the office even when we cannot, by any means, respect or condone the deeds done by those holding the office. However, we can pray the Scriptural prayer of David in Psalm 109:8: “Let another take his office.”

We see on the News increasing disrespect, turning over cars, smashing windows, speaking evil of police, and the use of expletive, foul language concerning those in authority. Will God hear the prayers of these people, if they ever do pray to Him? Yes, in His mercy He will hear them if they repent of their own sins.

Jesus teaches what our response should be to those who persecute us and say all manner of evil against us.

Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness; sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Most of us here in America experience very little persecution for our faith compared to Middle Eastern and North African countries, and North Korea. And yet we mouth off so disrespectfully and proudly against those we do not agree with. Because we have freedom of speech in our nation’s constitution, it doesn’t let us off the hook. We will have to give an account for every idle word before the Judge of all the earth (Matthew 12:36).

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell