I have a deep love of the United States — our history, ideals, symbols, institutions, and traditions. And I love my country far more than party and politics. In the wake of the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, I am feeling extremely relieved and grateful, mixed with some hope and pride.
I’m relieved and grateful that there was no further violence at the U.S. Capitol Building, and that the office of presidency was indeed peacefully transferred one week ago. President Ronald Reagan was right when he said, “In the eyes of many in the world, this every four-year ceremony that we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle.”
As someone who appreciates the value and fragility of our institutions and traditions — perhaps this year more than ever — I am grateful for the successful continuation of this precious pillar of our republic. And I’m grateful for a president who respects our traditions and institutions as well.
I’m relieved and grateful that President Biden’s message and manner seem to be of public service, respect for our ideals and traditions, and unity. As Christians, our ultimate home and hope are not here and not in any political party, platform, policy, or politician. We are called to graciously stand for truth and to do, as Abraham Lincoln once advised: “Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.” There certainly will be decisions and policies from President Biden and his administration with which we as Christians will disagree. Let us do so firmly but civilly, graciously, and prayerfully.
That task is made much clearer and less fraught when the people in leadership are respectful of the gravity of leadership and the power of words, at least try to unify people, demonstrate compassion and care for others, and have the humility to listen to disparate input even when the facts aren’t friendly to their existing narratives. I pray that President Biden will consistently demonstrate these characteristics, and am so far heartened.
Also, as an American I am proud of and grateful for us as a nation making history in electing the first woman, first Black person, and first person of Asian descent as Vice President — amazingly in one person!
And I am grateful for expressions of common grace and the image of God that were present in the inauguration ceremonies. My friend, Doug Bender, captured the sentiment well that “while many will disagree on issues of policy and politics, as people of faith we can celebrate that [President Biden’s] first official act was a prayer, his first speech never once mentioned himself, and the first song he asked us to sing was Amazing Grace.”
There once was a time when we could disagree with one another civilly. There was a time when we could count on those vying to be president to put country ahead of themselves and call on their supporters to do the same. It was not long ago that we expected the losing candidate to call on his followers to support his opponent with words like this: “Just as we fight hard when the stakes are high, we close ranks and come together when the contest is done. And while there will be time enough to debate our continuing differences, now is the time to recognize that that which unites us is greater than that which divides us. While we yet hold and do not yield our opposing beliefs, there is a higher duty than the one we owe to political party. This is America and we put country before party. We will stand together behind our new president.”
I hope and pray for a day when that will be true again. I pray that President Biden proves to be a person whom God uses to move us in that direction.
Our posture as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom should be one of prayer for the good of our nation and for its leaders. Jeremiah told God’s people in exile that they should “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer 29:7, ESV). Paul instructed, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim 2:1-2). So at the start of a new presidential administration, let us pray that God will grant us greater peace and unity for the sake of his kingdom and glory.
Photo Credit: Victoria Pickering