1600 Pennsylvania

For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed.

1 Peter 2:13-14a (NLT)

If you’ve never had the chance to see the White House (You know, where the President of the USA lives), you should pay it a visit. Though I’ve never been inside, just from the outside it is quite the sight to behold. But, what is even more fascinating to me is the transformation that has occurred over the centuries since it became the abode of our president.

The White House didn’t actually house our first president, George Washington. But it was his idea to have a central residence for the new leader of this great land. It wasn’t until John Adams moved into it in 1814 that it became official. Here’s the cool thing. Back then, anyone could literally walk up to the home, knock on the door, and get an audience with the president (if he was available). There were no fences or security staff. Just John and his family.

Unfortunately, a lot has changed over the last 200 years. No longer can you walk into the White House. It’s guarded by tall fences, motion sensors, armed guards, patrol dogs, infrared cameras, and a small army of Secret Service personnel. You need a special pass just to get on the grounds, let alone into the house. So, why the massive increase in security? Because people desire to kill the President for one reason or another. Their hatred for the person, or position, has consumed them. Therefore, protective measures are required to keep him safe.

The true reality is that this world is in rebellion against the way God has called us to live. We’re called to love our leaders. We’re called to respect them. We’re called to honor them. As Peter put it nearly 2,000 years ago, “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.”

Now, let me be clear. We can choose not to like the person occupying the White House. We can choose to disagree with their policies, their antics, or just the way they carry themselves. We can choose to be bummed out that the person we voted for isn’t the one currently living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW (The address for the White House). However, as Christians, we are called to respect the fact that the person is the leader of our country.

So, church, here is our challenge. Rather than complain, pray. Rather than vent on social media, ask for God’s blessing on our leaders. Demonstrate love, not hate.

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