The elections are around the corner. We Filipinos are going to cast votes, and sooner, a new set of government leaders will step into their roles.
But what if you disagree with the new set of servant leaders? How can you submit to someone you don’t want to follow?
Hear from Jericho Arceo, Pastor Paul Herrera, and Peter Kairuz as they offer valuable insights on how to submit to governing authorities you disagree with, in one of Beyond Small Talk episodes.
Submit to Leaders Tip #1: Pray for the appointed leaders
As Peter Kairuz said, “Pray for the leaders, even those we don’t agree with, even the leaders we don’t necessarily like. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom, ask the Lord to give them a heart that listens to God.”
No leader can please everyone, and no person can always be pleased. However, this is not an excuse for harboring hatred, including toward elected officials.
Regardless of personal opinions, every citizen has a duty to pray for the nation’s welfare.
Agreement with every government decision is not required, but it is important to “pray about everything. With thankful hearts, offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel” (Philippians 4:6-7, CEV).
This promise remains true. Disappointment with election results should not lead to despair, for the Lord never fails. This is not toxic positivity or mere consolation—it is a reminder of the truth and power of God’s Word.
Submit to Leaders Tip #2: Obey and be a good citizen
The key principle in this second point is humility.
Obedience to leaders you did not personally choose may be difficult, but rebellion leads nowhere. “The Lord God has told us what is right and what He demands: ‘See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.’” (Micah 6:8, CEV)
Scripture repeatedly affirms this calling: “Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and He puts these rulers in their places of power” (Romans 13:1, CEV).
This does not mean blind submission to all governing authorities, especially if it involves wrongdoing. Voicing concerns, filing petitions, and expressing opposition are valid courses of action—but these should be done with order and peace.
Encouraging constructive conversation is way better than engaging in disrespectful arguments. The goal is not simply to prove who is right or wrong but to seek wisdom and understanding. Choosing words with grace creates meaningful conversations.
Submit to Leaders Tip #3: Honor the leaders of the land
Paul Herrera explained, “Respecting someone and honoring a person are different. Respect is earned, honor is due to a position that’s given to a person.”
This applies even to governing authorities who were not personal preferences.
Agreement with a leader is not a prerequisite for showing honor. Publicly criticizing or cursing them, especially on social media, should never be an option.
Paul added, “You can disagree in a manner that is still gracious and honorable to them.”
Frustration over the election outcome reflects a deep love and concern for the country. However, acceptance of the majority’s decision is part of democracy.
Though difficult, honoring government leaders remains important, for their authority comes from the Lord. Human understanding of God’s plans is limited, but His sovereignty remains absolute.
Has He ever failed?
Before becoming citizens of any nation, Christians were already citizens of God’s kingdom. With this in mind, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to depend on people” (Psalm 118:8, GNT).
Love for the country is admirable, but for those struggling to trust its leaders, trust in the Lord instead. No person can single-handedly change the world, but the Lord can.
The best response is to pray for leaders, obey the law, and honor those in authority—not for their sake alone, but for the Lord and the nation.
May the Philippines be a country where Jesus is Lord.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
