“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

John 18:36

Today the world watches another transition of power as the 47th president of the United States is sworn into office. Maybe you are elated with Trumps return to the White House. Or maybe this is a day of mourning for you. I certainly am not going into politics here—rarely has a mind changed thanks to a keyboard warrior. But, I do want you to pause for a moment. Let us reflect on the beautiful legacy our country has created with the peaceful transition of power that takes place every 4 to 8 years. In a world where leaders are overthrown and governments are toppled, it is significant that the administrations of these United States—even if they vehemently disagree—relinquish the keys to the castle with peace and, mostly, decorum.

May the day ahead unfold similarly. I invite you, whether this is a day of celebration or a day of sadness, to join me in prayer for this nation and our new President.

In the midst of the pomp and circumstance of another inauguration, our nation also turns an eye towards the legacy of one of our greats, Martin Luther King, Jr. His work in the realm of civil and racial rights continues to be a beacon still. And the banner that he raised continues to be a goal that we have not yet reached.

In 1967, Dr. King received an honorary doctorate from the University of Newcastle. In his brief remarks he stated this: “Well, it may be true that morality cannot be legislated but behavior can be regulated. It may be true that the law cannot change the heart but it can restrain the heartless. It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me but it can restrain him from lynching me; and I think that is pretty important also.”

In other words, you can’t legislate for people’s behavior—though restricting behavior is a worthwhile and necessary action. Even still, you can’t make laws that direct people’s heart to move in the right direction. Said another way, “The passing of civil rights legislation has been relatively easy compared to the changing of attitudes and beliefs, which is the work of the heart and the challenge of our time.” — Leonard Sweet.

Changing hearts—that’s the realm of Jesus. Changing hearts is His specialty. It isn’t easy. The Lord knows my heart has been a rudderless ship far too often. My sin and rebellious ways are stubborn. How about yours?

I think this nugget from Dr. King is a vital element as we see another transition of power in the leadership of our country. If you celebrate Trump’s victory—do so with enthusiasm. And grace. And if you are mourning, protest as is your American right. Do so vigorously. And with grace. For whoever holds the Oval Office has great influence upon the direction of our country.

But know this as well. The hope for our country and the hope for our world is not about the one that is sworn in today—or any other day in our past or our future. Our hope rests solely and squarely upon the shoulders that held the weight of the cross. Our hope is found in Jesus—the one who changes and moves hearts. The one who heals the sick, calms the storm, and raises the dead.

And, in His great plans, the force that will change this world is not our elected or appointed officials. The hope for this world is you and me. The power that will move the needle is when those who believe deeply in Jesus finally get on our feet and follow Him. The Spirit driven revival that will renew this nation will be led by ordinary disciples of Jesus like you and me.

The power to change the world already rests in the hearts of every believer. The question is, will you follow Him. Will you take serious your call to obedience? To live like Jesus lived. To love like Jesus loved. To serve like Jesus served. To walk with those whom Jesus walked with. To feed those whom Jesus fed.

This is the dream that King articulated. This is the kingdom where Jesus reigns. It is the kingdom where we lean into the heart changing power of Jesus. We fall and we fail. And He keeps picking us up again. And, in time, discipleship learns to put one foot in front of the other as we follow Him.

Jesus is right, His kingdom is not of this world. But, it is the only hope for this world. And it will take all of us, by the Spirit’s help, to walk in His shadow.

Say a prayer for our country and its leadership.