By Steve Gaines
SBC President & Pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis
Steve Gaines
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BP) — Today Americans have a new president — Donald J. Trump. As Christians, it is Scripturally incumbent upon us to pray for him and for all our political leaders (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2). It is also mandatory for us to honor all people, even those with whom we disagree (cf. 1 Peter 2:17).
If we disagree with someone’s opinions, we must do so without attacking the person. There has been far too much inflammatory rhetoric coming from Christian leaders throughout this election. That kind of speech is divisive, ungodly, uncalled for, and sinful. May we heed Paul’s warning when he said, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). May we also sincerely pray the prayer of the Psalmist who said, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
Our nation’s greatest need is for Christians to repent and return to Jesus. May we as Southern Baptists lead the way by praying like it matters, sharing Jesus like it matters, making disciples like it matters, giving like it matters, loving like it matters, and preaching the Gospel like it matters. These disciplines are things all followers of Jesus Christ should be able to agree on.
My prayer is that Southern Baptists will lead the way for another Great Awakening among God’s people in America and around the world. May we repent of our sins, walk in humility and love lost people enough to tell them what the Bible says about Jesus, seeking to win them to Him.
May we be responsible and mature in our comments on social media posts, blogs and articles. The world is watching us. May they see Jesus in us.
Great days can be ahead if the Lord blesses us. He only blesses people that pray. Let us pray until His face shines on us afresh and His presence fills to overflowing both us and all the brothers and sisters in our congregations.
