This post is cross posted at willadair.com and on Jesus Creed at Beliefnet.

I live in NC and like in TX there has been here a great deal of hub-bub over the President’s address to public school kids. I want to add to that hub-bub.

First, the half of America particularly the Christians including myself that didn’t vote for Obama for President needs to get over the fact that just because they don’t like his policies and/or him doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t respect him in his office as President. Also, all those who are crying foul because there are people who don’t like Obama that don’t want their kids to listen to him they need to get over that too. There is nothing new in this. When the first George Bush (R) was president then Majority Whip Dick Gephart (D) opposed Bush addressing school children with the charge that it was merely partisanship indoctrination. The idea of not having children hear the President because he may say something that parents of differing ideologies do not like is the wrong reaction. The better reaction should be parents calmly sitting down and describing why their family doesn’t support whatever position that is raised with their objections. It allows for respect and dissent to co-exist.

Second, a valid option often not explored is to not to send your children to public schools particularly in their formative years. Home schooling is a valid option in this country and in my opinion may be better in many circumstances over the government ran schools. Why is it so hard to reason that the leader of the government ran schools would exercise his right to address students? I have a greater problem with the philosophy behind the science and history that children are taught as part of public education than I do with one speech of the President. Get your priorities straight on what is ultimately of your highest priority with your children’s education.

Third, opposition should not occur unless otherwise proved that the President is or will be advocating a morally questionable position in his address. Without proof then all that conjecture is nothing more than hearsay at best and is gossiping at worst. When we do nothing more than offer up conjecture of what he might do this is merely a more socially accepted form of gossip. A practice forbidden in the Scriptures. It should be forbidden by thoughtful people everywhere of whatever their moral persuasion.

Fourth, The Christian should asks what is their moral responsibility in light of the biblical precedents. To put that another way how does God want us to live practically within our culture? Wherever possible we should begin with Jesus and emulate his virtue. Thankfully Jesus addressed the issue of how to deal with the ruling government. Jesus said in response to a question of believers recognizing governmental authority that believers should “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” Jesus advocated acknowledging the authority, role, and rights of earthly leaders. In fact he alluded to the idea that all authority is ultimately granted from God.

Jesus did also note that we do not have to like or agree with that authority but respect them in their office nonetheless. Jesus after all is the one who called Herod the political king of Judea at the time “that fox.” He was not using fox as a term of endearment. When Jesus met Herod he stated that Herod’s power was granted by God for God’s purpose. He honored Herod even though Herod personally was a unhonorable person.

The apostle Paul echoed this idea and said “Give honor to whom honor is due.” Paul advocated giving respect to those in authority. The context of the verse definitely included corrupt governments. Paul admonished the early church to live at peace with all men. This includes governments and their presidents.

Finally, If we do not like a person or political parties ideas we should work to change them. For Christians they should do this through the outworking of their salvation. They should do it with fear and trembling because for many in this world they are the only Christ that many will ever see. Love will win in the end even when in the moment it may be hid for a bit in the overcast or hidden in the passing darkness. Christians should teach their children how to be loyal opposition when any political or social group suggest for us to do things that are against God’s will. Regardless we should respect those that God has put in authority. If not we may very well be fighting against providence.