By Pastor Antonee Leo Aguilar
Last Wednesday, I found myself lying awake, only getting 3-4 hours of sleep, trying to stay up to date with the latest election results, and praying that, no matter the outcome, I would remain faithful in my responsibility to pray for our nation's leaders and our worldwide church. It's natural to feel anxious and uncertain during significant transitions—whether in our families, churches, or society. But, no matter how we think, we are called to trust in God because He knows from the beginning to the end while we keep our leaders in prayer.
The book of Daniel gives us a powerful example of faithfulness and integrity. Daniel, a young man taken from his homeland in Judah, was brought to serve in the foreign court of Babylon. Despite being surrounded by a completely different culture with foreign beliefs and practices, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to God and stayed true to his values, even when the world around him seemed to be going in a completely different direction.
I'm reminded of the hymn "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through," which tells me that, like Daniel, we are sojourners, called to be lights in this sin-filled/dark world. As we reflect on Daniel's example, we are encouraged to stay faithful to our calling and, at the same time, lift our leaders in our prayers.
As we respond to the leadership of our new president, we can draw inspiration from the example of Daniel. He served with unwavering integrity and made it a priority to pray for the leaders around him. In the New Testament, Paul gives us further guidance in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, where he writes, "I urge, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Our new president will undoubtedly face numerous challenges and decisions impacting our nation and the world. As we watch how he navigates and addresses these issues and assembles a team to help shape the policies for the next four years, we must remember the weight of responsibility he bears. Therefore, please join me in prayer for our president. Let us be faithful in interceding for those in authority, seeking God’s guidance for them and for our
nation so that He will grant them wisdom, courage, and integrity.
Our Influence in a New Era
As our nation closes another chapter of the book in a few months and then transitions into a new chapter, we are reminded, as Christians/Adventists, that our calling remains the same no matter the political landscape. We are called to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14). Yes, though we may not be able to change the course of history, we can influence the people around us—our families, friends, and communities—and direct them to the One who has the power to change hearts for eternity. May our influence and messages draw people closer to Christ, help them prepare for His soon return, and point them toward His love, truth, and peace.
I love the counsels of Ellen G. White that tell us the importance of focusing on spiritual matters rather than becoming entangled in political debates… “Whatever the opinions you may entertain regarding casting your vote in political questions, you are not to proclaim it by pen or voice. Our people need to be silent upon questions which have no relation to the third angel’s message." - 2 Selected Messages, 336.1
In a church context, we, too, need to pray for our leaders as they face contemporary challenges. We live in a growing cynicism, where people distrust and oppose organizations. While there may be no perfect organization on earth, we must remember that God is at work in His church despite its flaws. As Ellen G. White wrote, "The church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit." (Manuscript
155, 1902)
The future of the church (Seventh-day Adventists) is secure because of God's grace. Everyone, including our leaders, is in a work in progress (sanctification).
SANCTIFICATION- “True sanctification is nothing more or less than to love God with all the heart, to walk in His commandments and ordinances blameless. Sanctification is not an emotion but a heaven-born principle that brings all the passions and desires under the control of the Spirit of God; and this work is done through our Lord and Saviour.” Faith and Works, p. 87.
I also fully believe that He established this church at work to build a temple of truth in which He can fully reveal His character. In his letter to Ephesians (Chapter 5), Paul reminds us that despite its weaknesses and mistakes, we can rest in that Jesus loves His church and promises to sanctify and cleanse it in His perfect time. I encourage you to remain committed, united, faithful, and trusting in God’s plan for His church. I love the song “Redemption Draweth
Nigh,” with powerful lyrics:
“Years of time have come and gone
Since I first heard it told
How Jesus would come again some day
If back then it seemed so real
Then I just can't help but feel
How much closer His coming is today
Signs of the times are everywhere
There's a brand new feeling in the air
Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky
Lift up your head, redemption draweth nigh.”
Yes, church, hang in there, and don’t jump ship, as we are almost home!
A Call to Prayer and Reflection
As we move forward, we may encounter many challenges and obstacles in life that are related inside and outside our church, families, and society. However, let us also embrace this moment to demonstrate what it means to live out our faith and embody our wonderful church beliefs. Let us commit to reminding each other to be peacemakers and bridge-builders, supporting one another, listening to each other, and working together for the common good while fulfilling God';s mission.
I encourage you to take time each day (or join our prayer session every Monday through Friday at 6:30 AM) to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to guide us as we continue to bring our petitions to God for our new president, Donald Trump, for our Worldwide Seventh- day Adventist Church organization and its leaders at every level, from the General Conference to the local Conferences and all of God’s children that we will have the wisdom like Daniel, strength, and divine guidance as we continue to live a life as missionaries/sojourners in these
challenging times, trusting that God is at work in ALL things.
May our lives, words, and prayers ALWAYS reflect God's character and truth as we await His return. Regardless of where we stand politically, let us never forget God’s mission (Missio Dei) and that we must come together and make a difference, reaching out - one life at a time while shining the light of Christ wherever we go!
“Only one life ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” - C.T. Studd.