"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2).

This month the 110th Congress will convene on Capitol Hill. New leaders will be elevated to posts previously held by the other political party. Many are fearful of what these changes could mean for our country.

Post-election pundits predict that previous economic accomplishments, such as lower taxes and sustained economic growth, will be overturned. Others see a battle mounting against President Bush on morality issues like abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell cloning, and the definition of marriage. However, regardless of the uncertainty of the coming months and years, I am reminded of three larger truths:

The election results did not surprise God. Romans 13:1 says that "there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." In the Old Testament, God raised up Cyrus, a pagan king, to carry out His greater purposes. "For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me" (Isaiah 45:4). God is sovereign.

The shift in policy will not last. In 2008, the citizenry will make their will known once more. But apart from that a far greater change is coming. Christ will return in glory as the King of kings to rule the world in righteousness. II Corinthians 4:17 assures us that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." God's truth abides.

Our mandate is larger than the economy. God will handle kings and princes and would-be rulers so that we can focus on the task at hand: representing Him within our spheres of influence as "ambassadors for Christ" (II Corinthians 5:20).

Make a renewed commitment this new year to know His truth, follow His truth, and teach His truth. This is our calling at ICR and I am grateful for your ongoing support that enables us to fulfill this mission.