My Four Commitments to Barack Obama

“1)I will pray for him and our country.

2)I will assume his motives are good, giving him the benefit of the doubt.

3)I will not speak ill of him, even if I don’t always agree with him.

4)I will cast off the spirit of cynicism, and be a positive force for good.”

I agree we must all pray for and support our country and leadership even if we don’t always agree with them. I cannot claim to be “happy” over the outcome of yesterday’s vote but that no longer matters as our human governments were created at our insistence and their suthority was granted by God whether it is used for Him and good ends or for not so good ends is not up to us to judge any longer. It is our responsibility to stand behind our leadership in prayer and leave the rest to God.

Another household strongly divided, but strongly active in the process. I find your words filled in where my heart was headed. Thanks Michael

Those are all very passive commitments; little more than not saying negative things. How about an action.

What about reducing your negative impact on the environment (perhaps a commitment to non-paper books (audio, electronic, …))

The election was not about a bunch of minorities trying to get even for racial oppression. It was a public outcry against the status quo corporate greed that’s running this nation into oblivion. We’re not talking a little lane-change swerve, but a hand-over-hand direction-changing turn.

Find an activity to actively leave this a better country with a better future for your kids. I don’t think many in our generation can truly, in their heart-of-hearts, stand behind that.

I agree, except I believe that speaking against policies he might try to implement that I disagree with is not the same thing as speaking ill of him personally. I do believe in disagreeing civilly and respectfully, though.

Hi Michael,

First time here and thought I’d begin, by thanking you…great way to get all of us to move ahead!

Last evening I was glued to the television, as most of you were. I listened to the predictions and waited to hear if my vote would count in this historical election.

My family members have served in the arm forces for generations. We’re proud, loyal Americans! Voting has been a privilege, yet there have been times I have wondered if I was picking the lesser of two evils, while casting my ballot.

This was the tenth time I voted for a president and like my first vote; I had a feeling of optimism. I believe as a people under God, love and sacrifice for this country should be honored and never ever forgotten. However, the dream for a new dawn of peace nationwide and worldwide is something we need to achieve…it’s time.

I have confidence and hope that this man, who is willing to dedicate his life for the next four years will lead in a way I feel, is right. With our prayers and support; I truly believe Barack Obama can be an extraordinary link in this era of history…a time we’ll be proud to say… we’re part of too.

I sincerely hope the economic crisis can be quickly solved ,and aslo we are in a world of peace.

Blessings from China
Mary Wang

Great reminders. Definitely commitments we all need to try to keep. I know I’ll be doing my part.

God had nothing to do with this election. A disgraceful populace of apologists and morally irresponsible human beings has spoken, very loudly.

You speak well to encourage us to pray for the new president. He inherits a litany of challenges and will need God’s strength to address them.

Thank you Mike!
I wil join you on those commitments….It is right to do so.

“I will assume his motives are good” because up until now I thought he ran a two-year campaign so he could do bad things to this country ???

I have tremendous respect for your sincerity and integrity. I will pass this on to those I know who are struggling with the election results. God bless YOU!

In America, the voter is king and the elected are our employees, our public servants. I am so glad someone even wants the terrible job of president badly enough to “apply” in a tortureous ritual called a “campaign”.

As the employer, we need to hold our employees responsible for what they do, but their success is our success and their failure often our fault.

We obviously failed to support our present president with united prayer and helpful but kind words. We will still have him for two very important months. Are we going to pray and commit for him as well? Anybody remember all the mischief that happened during Clinton’s last two months?

Also, should we be praying for specific things, like that we remain a friend of Israel and continue to bless her? Our own blessing depends on it. We are over-ripe for judgment as a nation for our idols and wickedness. But we have mercy instead — possibly because we have been a friend to Israel (?)

Should we pray that Obama develops some contact with genuine Christians who help him grow in the faith and challenge him to read scripture and fear God? Should we pray that he becomes aware of how angry God is over the shedding of innocent blood?

Many churches and Christians have been praying over the election. So can we accept it is God’s will for Barack to be president? — for reasons of His own and not necessarily known to us at this point.

God called a heathen king his “servant” and Babylon his “battle ax” for the punishment of His people. I thank God for his mercy and patience so far, but we should not forget to fear the ugly stick. I believe he loves and blesses America, but He says he also corrects those He loves.

We should be praying for Bush and Obama, but we, as a nation, have an unelected power to contend with that shapes us more than our presidents influence us and our culture — the media. We should pray just as hard for them. They have almost equal power with the president to shape our country and filter the truth and make us what they want our nation to be.

Once they get it in for a president, they filter every item to make him look bad and get everyone angry, forgetting any good he does or any good trait he has. He will fail, because they define failure and they will make sure that what they report will fit that definition. They also do it if they like someone, only they define success and make sure he fits that as well overlooking anything to get concerned about.

PS… Are you sure you aren’t supposed to be a Pastor??? Your expounding on Romans 13:1-3 hit me like a ton of bricks! Wow!

Hey Uncle Mike,

Nice job on this post! Thought you’d like to hear that one of my co-workers sent it to our entire staff (not knowing that you were my uncle).

AMEN JAKE!!!

Please join me in prayer that no H’s will go missing from White House computer keyboards.

In the unlikely event of that happening, I wonder if the drive by media will strangely be much more appalled by that action than they were eight years ago?…..

As a supporter of Sen. Obama’s who was at first angered, then saddened, then frightened by some of the hate-filled vitriol that I read on the Internet or was directed at me, I’m pleased to read your comments and wholeheatedly make this commitment.

For the commitment should come from both sides, as good Americans and especially, from those of us who are striving Christians. Not all Obama supporters will agree with everything our President-elect says or does either. But we must all remember we are one nation.

One nation under God.

I’m not a self-described Christian but I believe very deeply in God and wider scope of our mutual connection as human beings.

As I watched this election I was appalled by what seemed to be a Right-wing Christian attacks on Obama for being a Muslim (which he’s not) and by having more liberal views. I still do not understand the Christian belief that feels it’s not okay to have abortion but it is okay to create a false war in Iraq where they say from 500,000 to a million Iraqi’s have been killed. Was Christ American or was he a global citizen? If so how come Christians don’t seem interested in making peace within this world?

I look at Michael’s committments and feel this is a great first step but I feel much more is needed from Christians in general. I know there are many more liberal minded Christians who supported Obama but it would be great to see us embrace and support this new president.

George Bush and the Republicans have had 8 years to strutt their stuff and it’s made the world less safe with an economy in shambles. Obama to me seems to have more common sense and a desire to bring people together.

@Kevin: Like most groups, Christians are a more diverse population once you get to know them. I know many, many prolife Christians who don’t support the war. Thanks.

I am an born again, spirit filled African American and consider myself a conservative christian. I have really struggled with some issues surrounding this election.

I am concerned about all the prophetic words of doom and gloom from the christian community saying that God is about to reign judgement down on the nation because Obama (who is pro-choice) has been elected president.

I struggled with Obama because of his pro choice views until I heard his speech at the democratic national convention speech because he said, “We may not all agree on abortion rights, but we can agree for the need to reduce unwanted pregnancies.” When he said this, it struck a cord in me. I realized that if the laws of this country never change, we still have the responsibility as the church to minister to individuals – especially young people to avoid sexual sin so there will be no need for abortions in the first place. If we then consider this, could it be that President Obama has given us a solution.

This thought was further solidified in my heart when I thought about the fact that Sarah Palin’s daughter is pregnant. This is such a crucial issue for me because the conservative christian community has made overturning Roe v Wade as such a major priority. But for all the summits and protests, it just doesn’t seem to be working. Pregnancy rates and abortions are steadily rising and I believe we are missing something with our children and that is the more immediate problem.

Of all the conservative Christians who have trouble with Obama’s views, how many of them have actually reached out to young people to help them avoid the issues of unwanted pregnancy and abortions? With this election, is God then challenging conservative Christians to look at their hearts and judge their own motives and actions? Is it our priority to try and affect the lives of the young people with the highest rates of abortion? This happens to be the African American community.

I may not have this quite right, but is it possible that God allowed President Obama to win to change our focus? Could it be that part of His purpose is to send a wake up call to conservatives that while waiting for the supreme court to change the laws we should be encouraged to come out of our glass cathedrals and actually touch the lives of those who are engaging in behaviors that will lead to abortions?

Even to publish and promote books targeted to those who need these resources the most?

Do we really need the government to regulate our habits of sexual sin? Or is elminating the need for abortion the greater call? Would not the doors of the abortions clinics close if there were no longer any one seeking abortions????

But at the end of the day, Is the taking of an innocent life right or wrong?

I’ve never heard of an unborn baby being a boolthirsty and ruthless dictator. Neither have I heard of an unborn child’s main goal being to convert me to his religion, and if for any reason unsuccesfull, to kill me or the ones that I love (of course I do not speak of all but only a very dangerous few of radical Muslim faithful).

I name the name of Christ.

I will pray for my president as scripture instructs me to do so.

And in three years, eleven months, and some days, I will vote to fire him if he dosen’t do what he should…period.

I could name scores of evangelical Christians who have dedicated their lives to help troubled young ladies, unwed mothers and babies who were candidates for abortion, and teach them THE truth. That being, that they are created in the very image of, and by a God who loves them. For starters, check out Nashville’s Nancy Alcorn of Mercy Ministries.

Maslow teaches then man is basically good. The Bible teaches the opposite. I disagree with your point that Obama (Or any human for that matter) has good motives, especially when our hearts are so deceitful.

Before you comment: please read my comments policy. I have had to delete several comments that were attacks on President-Elect Obama. Obviously, you can do that on your own blog, but not here. Thanks.

Not sure if anyone will read this but.
40 years ago Bobby Kennedy made the comment that racism and equality will change when one day we have a black president – this has come true with all the negatives that are out there this is the Lords plan spoken 40 years ago..AMEN AND GOD BLESS EVERYONE…
We just need to pray for this man and his family that our Lord leads him and protects him throughout.

Keep in mind white men gave black men the permission and the right to vote.

Women had to protest for it my grandmother went to jail in Reading Penna. Protesting for the right for women to vote..
Pray for our nation and especially our military and single households everywhere.
Another positive no child male or female can ever say again well I did not have a mom or a dad at home ..neither did our New president.
And yes I am a Christian (who has been active w/cleansing stream and healed by his blood and smiling all the way) white female red head from Penna. living in Charleston SC
God does have a plan..

Edwina [EDDIE] Moyer

United we stand as a nation or divided we fall as a nation. There were no losers on Nov 4th; this was an election that has decided we all are equal regardless of the color of our skin. For those who did not support Obama, I hope that you can find it in your heart to pray for our next Commander in Chief. People may agree or disagree, but the one thing that will not change when we as a nation suffer we all suffer, whether we are Democrats or Republicans. If we want to see a real change in our nation it starts with us if we do less complaining and more praying this world will be a better place for us all.