The events in Afghanistan recently are heartbreaking to everyone, regardless of their political party or any other sort of affiliation. The loss of more than 2,400 American lives and thousands and thousands injured and crippled over the last 20 years in that country hurts the heart of every U.S. citizen.
The recent events in Afghanistan, involving our country’s misguided pullout of our troops and the chaotic airlifting of citizens and friends of America from the airport in Kabul, are heart-wrenching. We lost 13 American soldiers in recent days, and we left Americans behind after the airlift was complete. Millions of dollars in military equipment and vehicles were left behind for the Taliban to use for terror in that country and perhaps abroad. There is plenty to be upset, angry and hurt about if you are an American citizen.
Many people in our country are rightly upset at leadership. There is blame to go around for both parties. Two Republican and two Democratic presidents have presided over the war in Afghanistan. Many people are now resorting to calling our leadership derogatory names and speaking about them in demeaning language for what they believe are terrible decisions and misjudgments.
People have a right to be upset. People have a right to hold our leadership accountable. Those who served in the military and see lives lost in defense of this country have an even greater heartache over what is happening. But as a pastor and a Christian, even in my disappointment and hurt over recent events, I am endeavoring to honor God by respecting the leadership he has put over me and this country. First Peter 2:17 tells me to “honour the king.” Romans 13:1 tells me that “everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God.” So often, I am appalled at the decisions and positions of leadership in this country. But in my pursuit of biblical Christianity, I am seeking to give honor and dignity to leadership I so oppose. Jesus Christ our Savior showed mercy, grace and patience toward those who brutally opposed him and who disregarded what was right. I am seeking to follow my Savior.
There was a time, a generation or two ago, when people of faith — and even those who did not follow a faith of any sort — would give leadership respect and honor. There was a time when leadership that people sharply opposed and disagreed with were give the honor and respect that they deserve because of their position. I long for those days to return. Vote, share your opinion with mercy and grace, and take a position for what you believe about America. But also give honor and respect to whom it is due. That would be a real change in America in our day.
Pastor Lance M. Wager
Maranatha Baptist Church
Dover
