Honoring Leadership, Trusting the Lord

“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV)

President’s Day gives us a moment to pause. It allows us to reflect on leadership. We think about both the leaders who shaped our nation’s past and those who guide us today. While the holiday highlights presidents, Scripture widens the lens. Peter reminds believers that honor is not just for perfect leaders. It is a posture of the heart shaped by our reverence for God.

Honoring leaders doesn’t mean agreeing with every decision or pretending flaws don’t exist. It means recognizing that God is sovereign over human authority. Throughout Scripture, God worked through kings, governors, judges, and rulers—some faithful, some deeply flawed—to achieve His purposes. Our confidence is never in the strength of human leadership but in the unshakable rule of Christ.

President’s Day also invites us to pray for those in authority. Paul urged believers to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions.” By doing so, we live peaceful lives. This also helps us live godly lives. Prayer softens our hearts. It aligns our attitudes. It reminds us that God’s kingdom is never threatened by the rise or fall of earthly powers.

We honor the leaders of our nation, past and current. We do so with gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. We show humility about our own need for grace. Our trust is unwavering in the One who reigns forever. God’s leadership is steady when the world feels unstable. His wisdom is perfect when human wisdom falls short. His kingdom is eternal when earthly kingdoms fade.

Today, let President’s Day be more than a historical nod. Let it be a spiritual reminder: we honor leaders, but we trust the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your sovereign hand over every generation and every leader. On this President’s Day, teach us to honor those in authority with humility and grace. Give wisdom, courage, and integrity to those who lead our nation today. Help us live as people of peace, hope, and prayer. Above all, anchor our trust in You—the true King whose reign is eternal. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!