Our country's president is about to meet in various townhall assemblies to discuss his plan for healthcare.  Apparently, this move will involve 1/6 of the US budget.  Well, there is some backlash coming to him in the form of people actually shouting-down the president in the meetings.

Well, I was surprised when I heard President Obama's verbal response that this is to be expected; there will be many voices given the large amount of money it involves.  

I'm encouraged that this seemingly-unrehearsed and candid statement reflected an openness to opposition rather than a dyed-in-the-wool fascism that many imply about this President (as <a href="http://spectator.org/blog/2009/03/29/a-whiff-of-fascism-from-obamas"> here</a>).  Now, I'm not naive, I know that there are many more policies and decisions that will reflect the true stance of this administration on dissent.   Police presence, picky enforcement of laws, pushing votes, etc.; I know all of these things and more can demonstrate the true nature of the President's willingness to engage and allow for opposition.  Still, I'm encouraged that at first glance, he seems willing to (at least passively) support a voice for those who oppose him.  It makes me wonder about how, when the cameras are off, President Obama thinks of himself and all the claims leveled against him as a leader.  Isn't it amazing that we can have such divergent thoughts about ourselves vs. what others think of us!

In all, the conclusion remains: pray for our leaders.  There are many things about this administration that I don't agree with.  Their stance on abortion and the definition of life, their approach to marriage and definition of it, their economics, and their lack of regard for the value of Christian organizations to a society- each of these are sad, scary and generally violate Biblical commands.  Still, the Biblical command that must be upheld at every turn is this: I honor One King, Jesus and He tells me to pray for my human leaders.  So, to best honor my heavenly King, I will pray for and obey my earthly government until doing so causes me to directly disobey the Lord.

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  [3] This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,  [4] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

                                                                            -1 Tim. 2:1-4 (ESV) 

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."

                                                                            -Romans 13:1 (ESV)