Ligon Duncan makes some sound points though many might not like to consider them. I actually posted this way back in 2008 when Mr. Duncan originally wrote it. But this Christmas Eve I think it is worth posting again.

For those Christians who are more dismayed than overjoyed about the prospects of an Obama presidency, there should be a remembrance that as our President, Barack Obama will have God-given authority to govern us, and that we should view him as a servant of God (Rom. 13:1, 4) to whom we should be subject (Rom. 13:1, 5; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). Thus, again, we are to pray for Barack Obama (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We are to thank God for Barack Obama (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We are to respect Barack Obama (Rom. 13:7). We are to honor Barack Obama (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17).

For those Christians who are more overjoyed than concerned about the prospects of an Obama presidency, there should be a remembrance of our ultimate allegiance: Jesus is Lord (and thus, He, not we, decides what is right and wrong), we serve God not man, and the Lord himself has promised to establish “the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him” (Malachi 3:18). Thus, where our new president opposes or undermines biblical moral standards in our society, fails to uphold justice for the unborn, undermines religious liberties or condones an ethos that is hostile to the Gospel, we will pray for God’s purposes to triumph over our President’s plans and policies.

Without doubt and whatever our particular views may be, we face hard days ahead. Realistically, we must all expect to be frustrated and disappointed. Some now may feel defeated and discouraged. While others may all-too-soon find their audacious hopes unfounded and unrealized. We must all keep ever in mind that it is God who raises up leaders and nations, and it is God who pulls them down, and who judges both nations and rulers. We must not act or think like unbelievers, or as those who do not trust God.

I do pray for President Obama. I pray for his wife. I pray for his children. I pray for his cabinet. I even pray for Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. Some I pray for more than others and some more often than others. But I do. I pray for their protection. I pray for their heart to bend toward God. I pray that they be faithful instruments of God’s will and that they glorify Him in their works.

It is never easy to pray for those we sometimes view as opponents, if not enemies. But we are to pray for one another. Christ came into the world so that all who might believe in him should have everlasting life. We should pray that all do come to know the Risen Lord and embrace him as their Lord and Savior.

Merry Christmas, peace on Earth, and good will to each and every one of you.