the votes are in

Dear Woodland Hills Family,

So let’s say—with Election Day come & gone—you find yourself one of the 46% of Americans who didn’t get what you voted for. Quite naturally, you’re wrestling with discouragement, frustration, despair, and maybe even some anger.

Some around you are already complaining. Others are wasting no time shifting into the rhetoric of denigration and disdain for our new leader.

“Not so among you,” says our Lord. Though our society affords lampooning and disrespect as freedom of speech, these have no place among Christ-followers. Why?

1. God has instituted all civil authority,¹ and no person comes into a position of authority without His express permission—even the most pagan and godless of rulers.² So we dishonor God when we demean and disrespect His servants. We’re to honor the king³ and not speak evil of a ruler.⁴
2. God clearly says the king’s heart is in the Lord’s hands—He turns it wherever He wishes.⁵ So how can we actively trust the Sovereign Lord to direct this ruler’s heart while we simultaneously blast and deride him as an incompetent idiot?
3. God calls us to pray, intercede, and give thanks for kings and all those in authority.⁶ Ranting and raving against our leaders does not lend itself well to a posture of prayer—especially one of thanksgiving.

Friends, let’s spread the fragrance of Christ under our new leader! For the sake of the King of kings, we honor every lesser king—whether we voted for him or not.