Liberia: Established and Ordained by God

Guest Editorial by Rev. Dr. Slewion Lewis 

"It is He who changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. "(Daniel 2:21a)

The Prophet Daniel in the above text is teaching us that it's God who establishes governments, and all those who are in power, including presidents, vice presidents, senators, representatives, whatever their roles are, have been placed there by God, whether we voted for them or not. 

As a nation, and with the peaceful conclusion of our just ended elections, we are still living in a politically charged time, with disagreements on so many issues. Notwithstanding, it is God who establishes thrones and deposes them. God is more powerful than any earthly leader, and he is in control of all happenings on earth, and he determines who occupies earthly thrones.

According to the teachings of the Holy Book of the Christian faith, all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. This means that it is God who has ordained the institution of government and that the role and purpose of every government are mandated by him.

With this backdrop, and with the peaceful conduct of our very competitive presidential election, it's time now that we put behind us the tensions and politics of the elections and come together as Liberians for the forward movement of our country. The elections are over, and it's now time for us to put our ideas and thoughts together for the good of our country.

We congratulate the president-elect, H. E. Joseph N. Boakai and the incoming Unity Party government for winning the trust of the Liberian people to steer the affairs of the state for the next six years. Remember, as a government, you will  have a duty not only to members of your political party but to all Liberians. Equally so, as the president of the nation, you will be obligated not only to members of your tribal group or faith tradition but to all Liberians irrespective of tribe or religion. We encourage you, therefore, to prioritize a government of inclusion, for there is no one party, tribe or religion with all the brains needed to move our country forward.

To the outgoing leadership and government, remember, there's a time and season for everything. Your time came, and you played your part, whether successful or not. It's now time for you to take the exit, but not to be silent; but instead, to remain engaged with the incoming government positively and constructively. Respect the incoming leadership and avoid anything that will undermine the government or disrupt our peace and stability. As one of the would -be oppositions, your roles will not only be to criticize but also provide alternatives to the policies of the government and hold them accountable to the public. 

My peace loving and patriotic citizen of Liberia, the time for political slogans and battle cries is over. It's time now that we come together regardless of which party we supported for the development of our country. Let us forget our political differences and unite for the good of our country; always bearing in mind that united we stand, divided we will fall.

Remember, "Long live Liberia, happy land! A home of glorious liberty, by God's command!”