I first heard the story of the “organ battle” from Chris, an elderly member of the congregation who told the story with a heavy helping of gentleness and grace. It wasn’t until 1955 that the General Conference of the Brethren in Christ authorized the use of instruments in the church for those that desired them. When interest in having an organ installed at the Rosebank congregation developed, the church essentially divided into two factions, those who were for it and those who were against it.

Those who were for installation of an organ in the church, followed the growing tradition among Mennonite and other Anabaptist-related churches that were beginning to use instruments for worship. Those who were against them felt that instruments were used “for worldly entertainment; the introduction of musical instruments in the church would mean the opening of the gates of the church to secular and sinful influences.”¹ Chris was one of the leaders of the “no organ” group. Among other things, he told me they had felt that organs were used in carnivals and those were sinful places.

The debate continued for some time but eventually the time came to vote at the congregational council. By this time, tension was so high that the members of each group had begun sitting on opposite sides of the congregation. Many of each group would not speak to members of the other. Chris told of impassioned speeches made by leaders of each group prior to the voting, each convinced that they were following the will of God. Before the ballots were cast, they did what all good Christians do before a major decision: they prayed. When the votes were counted, those wanting the organ installed were the victors.

The church could have split right then and there but Chris had a change of heart. He told me, “I believed that God’s will was done. We prayed and we trusted God so the vote must have been God’s will.” So, as soon as the results were known, Chris got up from his seat in the front row and crossed over to the other side of the church and embraced the leaders of the opposition. Then, he sat down with them for the remainder of the meeting. Others soon followed suit. He finished the story by saying, “And young man, sometimes that organ just blesses me.” In fact, one of the things I remember best about Chris was he and Katie sitting in the front row, Chris with his hand raised in praise as the organ played on Sunday mornings.

So, what does this have to do with the inauguration? We Christians prayed long and hard before this election, casting our votes as our conscience allowed. As of today, we have a president. He is not all that many wish he would be. He is not the one many would have selected, but he’s the only one we’ve got, at least for the next four years.

Our call, concerning leaders of government in 1 Timothy 2, verses 1 and 2 is to prayer. Paul says,

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (NIV)

We may not have voted for President Trump, we may not even like the guy, but we are called to pray for him. We are also required to submit to the authorities placed over us and not just spiritual authorities in the church. 1 Peter 2:13-15 says,

¹³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. (NIV)

Why should we submit to authorities such as these? Why should we follow the rule of law in America? Well, a good reading of Romans 13 reveals that

“…there is no authority except that which God has established.”

Yep, even President Trump. And the answer would have been “Yep, even President Clinton” had the election gone the other way. According to that same chapter, God had a hand in the placement of the government that has just been established. That’s shocking to some and a bitter pill to swallow for others but nonetheless true. Remember, God sometimes gives us just what we deserve. Think of King Saul in the Old Testament as a negative example.

My advice for today? Never mind what the world says, or even other Christians. You need to show some grace, spend some time in prayer for your President and this government, and be an exemplary model, following the rule of law in our society—all for the sake of Christ. That doesn’t mean you ignore character or injustice or can’t take part in calling for change as needed. Pray and participate as God leads.

I think of my elder brother in the Lord, Chris, and his example of crossing the floor to embrace those with whom he disagreed. Dare we do anything less for Jesus? If we can’t find the strength to do it, perhaps, we need to pray for supernatural grace.

1. http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Musical_Instruments A great article on the introduction of musical instruments in Anabaptist churches in the twentieth century.