Elana Kagan

Dear Victorious,

It is distressing to see leaders being appointed in Washington who don't share our values. Clearly these people are now in positions to lead our country astray. How should Christians respond?

Mary C. - Kissimmee, FL

Dear Mary,

It's true that many of our government leaders (at all levels) are not the kind of people we really want to see in government. Nevertheless, the Bible reminds us that God is in control and those individuals don't get appointed (or elected) without His consent - at a minimum. Moreover, the Bible is clear that we honor God with our response to these individuals.

First, we pray for them. Pray that they will have a change of heart and be drawn close to God. Pray that they will have discernment and wisdom to make better decisions. Pray that God's hand of protection will be on them throughout their term.

Second, submit to and honor our government leaders. You don't have to agree with them or their positions in order to be able to submit to them or show respect for them and the offices they hold. It pleases and honors God when submit ourselves and obey our government leaders.

Finally, let's not confuse political activism with Christian leadership. The two are distinctly different. There are far too many Christians today who behave in unChristlike ways --- and justify their bad behavior with the wrongness of someone else's position. We must not do that. Even when we don't agree with someone or something, we need to consider what Jesus would do. And then we need to do that.