“…Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God…” –Romans 13:1

A question following President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA): Why did God allow him to become president? I suggest, with the president delivering the third SONA of his term, we much gauge everything he says and does with from the perspective of various spiritual principles. Up to this point, standard judgments have been massed on personal, family, and political interests, which is why there will always be criticism – whatever he says or does will be perceived as wrong.

The primary factor for all Filipinos must be God’s will and objective. What was God’s purpose for having Duterte elected?

Heed spiritual commands

This is a time when we must pay attention to spiritual commends when it comes to elected officials; particularly: Each one should subject himself to the government authorities, for there is no authority that which God did not allow to be installed. This means, no matter the process, the elected officials was blessed by God – this applies even to those who cheated their way to victory.

Such an example was exhibited when Isaac was granted his deathbed blessings, supposedly for this first-born son, Esau. Esau failed to receive the blessings of his father because Jacob, the second son, pretended (with the help of their mother Rebeca) to be Esau. It was from the blessings bestowed that Jacob went on to become the father of many nations.

Pray for elected officials

Another command, especially when it comes to Duterte, says: The citizenry has an obligation to pray for their leaders, seeking God’s guidance, blessings, and protection upon them.

If God, in fact, installed our elected officials, only God has the power to either move them to act towards the welfare of their constituents or to make their lives miserable – remember the many instances the Israelites, God’s own people, were under the rule of bad leaders?

It is God who allows officials to govern or end their reigns; the power to oust leaders does not belong to anyone, as has been falsely claimed by various interest groups in the Philippines, who bask in the false glory of overthrowing past officials.

We should start using spiritual principles when evaluating leadership – even in our day-to-day lives.

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FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, what we have discussed here, or to consult any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917-984-2468, email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!/WDJ