January 6th … 4 years later
On January 6, 2021, our nation found itself in the midst of great turmoil. As many of you may recall, a mob of angry citizens stormed the U.S. Capitol during the certification of the Electoral College results, which declared Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 presidential election. These individuals breached security barriers, vandalized offices, and disrupted the congressional session. Members of Congress were evacuated, and the Capitol was placed on lockdown as law enforcement worked to regain control. Tragically, the attack resulted in both injuries and loss of life, and the National Guard was deployed to restore order.
For some, these events may feel distant. It feels almost like water under the bridge. It may even seem strange for me to address them four years later. However, as Christians, we have the opportunity to learn from history, using it to guide and shape our future. With the upcoming inauguration of President Trump, I believe it’s important to reflect on a few truths that can help us move forward.
- We are called the United States of America. The word united is in our name. But as we seek to move forward as a nation, may we, as Christians, set an example of a greater unity – one that transcends political divisions. Yes, we can display unity by supporting our presidents, but we can show deeper unity by supporting each other, regardless of political persuasion.
- We are also called to pray for and submit to the authorities God has placed over us. This has been true for the past four years, and it will continue to be true for the next four and beyond. Our role on January 6, 2021, was to lift up the needs of our nation to the only God who hears us. Our role on January 6, 2025, is the same.
- We are called to fear God, not man. The actions of January 6, 2021, were driven by unnecessary fear – fear of the future, fear of what might happen, fear of the unknown. No matter who you voted for this past November, I urge you to remember: we are not to fear man. We are to hold a righteous and reverent fear of God alone.
May the events of the past cause us to look to our Heavenly Father, who is our true hope for the future.
Author: Chad Hunsberger is the Lead Pastor at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS.
