Man in Command

Recently, we had a presidential election and a new president will be sworn into office in January. The old man in command of the United States of America, will be replaced with the new man in command. 

In my lifetime, I’ve lived under the rule of eleven different presidents beginning with Dwight Eisenhower. And with each new President elect, I’ve grown more and more aware of those who fill the role of President.

For example, I wasn’t at all aware of Dwight Eisenhower, but I remember when President John F. Kennedy was in the White House. He had a beautiful wife named Jacklyn, two little kids and he died by the hand of an assassin. 

I was old enough to vote for the first time in 1976. But, I don’t remember who I voted for. I just remember how important I felt to actually have a say in who I wanted in the White House. I believed that my vote, my opinion, counted.

Ever since 1976, I’ve voted in every election and with every election, I notice just how much a president’s policies personally affect me and the world I live in.  

For instance, I notice that no matter who is in the White House, their attitudes, practices and strategies affect employment and unemployment numbers, gas prices, interest rates and health policies. During the term of some presidents, wars start or end, environmental issues are central or peripheral, and scandals are uncovered or covered up. 

But no matter who is in the White House, whether we like them or not, whether we agree with them or not, they are in command and in authority. They can use their position to further their own agendas, gather accolades or pad their pockets. They can also use their position of power to make great and lasting changes for our country. The choice is theirs. 

My Commander

My commander is God. Though he is not an elected political official, he still rules in my life. He didn’t take command by popular vote or by any means of fraud or force. Instead, I accepted his invitation to align my life with his. 

Once I invited him in, I noticed that I still had a free will.  And though I know he knows what is best for me, he still allows me to make a choice for myself. I can agree or disagree, argue or comply, ignore or pay attention to what he has to say to my heart.  

God’s policies or promises are not subject to change. They remain the same forever. Not only that, but the promises he makes such as; I will never leave you or forsake you, he keeps. 

More than forty years ago, I became a Christ follower, yet everyday I become a little more aware of the immense and incredible benefits I possess as the result of God’s presence in my life. 

For example, our government administrators and policy makers change for the better or the worse every four years. But, no matter who is in the White House, and no matter the changes they make, the One who resides inside of me does not change. He is always good and always has good in mind for me. 

Why Bother?

Why bother noticing who’s in command? If we allow the one who resides in the White House to command our lives then we will be tossed to and fro and carried away by every new and improved policy that comes along. But, if we allow God to be the commander of our heart and lives, then come what may, we remain secure and sane.