A Historic Night and Thinking Forward…

Tonight I witnessed a historic event unfold as I saw the first black American get elected to the Presidency of the United States. I figured that Barack Obama would win, but I wondered what my first thoughts would be when it was made official.

Not too long ago human beings with black skin were not even allowed to drink out of the same water fountain as human beings with white skin. Fast forward a few years later and now a human being with black skin will be sitting in the Oval Office as the President of the United States for the first time. Unless I grew up in a culture where I was a slave or was treated lesser because of the color of my skin, I don't think I could fully appreciate seeing the reality of a human being with black skin stand up at the podium tonight and become the President Elect of the United States. Tonight was truly a historical event that was a long time coming and I am thankful to live in a country where the color of a human being's skin will not disqualify him from running for the Presidency of the United States.

However, as thrilling as that moment is in history, the color of this human being's skin is not what will lead this country. The things that make up who Barack Obama is (background, thoughts, ideals, morals, etc.) is what will be leading this country. When Obama was officially announced as President Elect, there was no doubt a wide range of emotions from the American people; concern, hate, bigotry, hope, devastation, joy, pride, and the list could go on.

I have many concerns about this President and the leadership he is going to bring to Washington. My concerns are less about the economic issues, and more about the issues that Scripture says are explicitly wrong. America is going to get the change that she voted for, but I wonder if we are fully aware of the changes that Obama wants to make? Only time will tell.

Regardless of how I feel about the man, what's done is done, and for better or worse he will be my President come January. That said, my hope and trust is in God, it has never been in a man. I read the Bible and I see way worse things than this that have happened. My purpose in life is to worship God and enjoy Him forever. And, as much as I love my country, I serve God, not a President. My identity is in Christ, not American citizenship. My passion is to make Christ and His Gospel known, not fret over who sits in the Oval Office. Sure, I don't like thinking about what the next four years might bring under Obama's administration, but I wonder what good works I can do in the name of the Kingdom in the next four years?

I've got no control as to what happens in Washington, I voted and the peeps I voted for lost. But I do have control over the good works I do. No President can stop me from the mission of my life; making Christ known and telling others about His Gospel. No Congressman can stop me from worshipping God and enjoying Him forever. No Senator can discourage me enough to forsake the love of my life, Jesus Christ. All these things we are upset about right now are but a vapor in the wind and they are guaranteed to pass away. The things of God will NEVER pass away.

I love this country, and yes, I do believe that this country is a blessing to live in. And as much as I don't like the ideals of the man who got elected tonight, I will pray for him and hope that all Christians would humble themselves and do the same. I love living in my country, but I love living for my LORD even more. I pray that the way I react to this election will give me an opportunity to show the light of Christ to a dying world, no matter who sits in the Oval Office.

Al Mohler also has some good post-election thoughts.