It is those subtle sins which often go unnoticed. Everyone can point at a murderer, rapist, and thief and scream for justice; but the sins of pride, greed, a thirst for power are often justified and intellectualized. We seem to have a political sway every eight years in which one party takes over the reins of the government. We should be consistent in our outcry whenever anyone in power is defiant to God's Word. So, no matter who is in charge, as a Christian we should stand firmly for the unborn, for traditional marriage, etc. But much of what everyone does in political debates is to attempt to discredit those in positions of authority. With every election, especially when it is close, comes the screams that it was rigged and the one in authority is not rightfully there. No matter how firmly we articulate this argument, what God desires is submission to His will and obedience. These qualities are sorely lacking in our society. No matter how well an argument is framed, God allows rulers to rule and is not anxiously watching how events will unfold from heaven. Certain leaders will be installed to bless our nation, others to curse our nation, and we can all decide what our nation deserves. Rather than getting upset at the person or party in power, we should remember 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

David never took advantage or justified himself before God directed events. Two times he was in position to kill Saul and seize control of the government, which he could have justified having already been anointed future king of Israel. But he submitted to God and allowed events to transpire according to God's timeline rather than seeking revenge, as we read in 1 Samuel 24 and 26. After Saul's death, David inquires of the Lord and goes to Hebron and is proclaimed king over Judah. Abner, the former general of Saul's army does not inquire of the Lord, but seeking to maintain power made Saul's son, Ishbosheth, king over the remainder of Israel in 2 Samuel 8-9. One might mistakenly believe that Abner did not know, but we read in 3:9 when Ishbosheth and Abner get into a conflict, "May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David as the Lord has sworn to him-." Abner knew David was anointed, but he was blinded by his thirst for control and power. We see Abner then speaking to the people of Israel stating in 3:17-18, "...In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you. Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken of David, saying, 'By the hand of My servant David, I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the hand of all their enemies.'"

If someone disagrees with you politically and a sharp debate ensues over this, their ears will be closed to the more important message of salvation by the blood of Jesus. What we should not waver on are those issues which God has clearly revealed according to His perfect Word. Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”