As Christians, we understand that we set the tone and not Washington politicians. We can change the moral and political landscape in the country just by following the Biblical command to "Make Disciples" and thereby get the politicians' attention. Why? Because they want and need your vote, and they will appeal to your worldview with their policies to get that vote. Majority rules in a democracy and they know that. Jesus said we are "Salt in Light" in this world and in his day salt was not only used as a seasoning but as a preservative, an analogy that describes the Christian responsibility to uphold and preserve Biblical integrity in society. So as believers we know that we will change the world by the Gospel and not through or by any politician.
That being said, I don't undermine the importance of Christian involvement in governmental politics, especially in a Democratic Republic which constitutes a government of the people that gives power to individuals to choose their leaders. We have a voice! We possess the right to integrate biblical views into policy.
The ecclesiastical and the national governments are both subject to the authority of God: Jesus Christ is the head of the spiritual/eternal society and the government heads the natural/temporal rule for the structuring of worldly societies. Jesus said to pray "God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven" which indicates that God desires these two entities to correspond and work together, however limiting interference. The First Amendment recognizes this separation and established this law as a terrible result of the nationally selected church (Anglican Church) that was far too influenced by the state rather than by the Throne. It is even chronicled that most pastors were apostate and appealed to the party of choice by coercing parishioners to join party ranks.
It was those of the likes of Jonathon Edwards and George Whitfield who, out of deep concern of declining moral climate and a lack of spiritual influence, preached repentance wherever they could, mostly in the streets due to the banishment from the state church. This paved the way for a revival of spirituality that would reverberate across the nation and otherwise was known as "The Great Awakening," for it changed the nation. It was the Great Awakening that would influence our Founding Fathers to write the First Amendment, to separate church and state for the protection of the church rather than the other way around.
So today our service is to Christ, reaching mankind with His Gospel. We don't follow the politician, but the politician follows us. God loves this world and has provided government for order in this life; not just for the hope of this life alone but for eternity by coming into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Let us preach repentance! Let us preach hope and change through Truth! Let us preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Dusty graduated from Etowah High School in '99. While working a full-time job he managed to also graduate from Beulah Heights University in '06 with a Bachelors Degree in Leadership Administration. He has attended the local church, Acworth Church of God of Prophecy since he was little. He currently resides in Acworth Georgia with his wife Suzy and their three dogs, Coco, Shelby and Keebler. You can contact him @ dustylolley@gmail.com
2 comments:
It is so common to be a Christian and be scared to share your faith except if you are in the group of other believers. We have to "Set the Tone" like you said. I know I need to get better at doing that regardless if we are looked at as radicals or not. Good word bro.
I share your sentiment about ole friend abandoning the walk of righteousness. What keeps me in this walk is by no means my own resolve nor is it because I'm just good at it. I would say it's because I can't get away from it, because the truth haunts me if I even put one foot off the path. Once Divine Truth has been revealed to you, you don't look at the world the same.
The world is the proverbial pig sty we see in the imagery of the Prodigal Son who has left wealth of his father's estate to find better, but ends up far worse in the world. So I know that as soon as I get off the path, I will be pummeled by the hopeless sorrow of this world. Jesus is my "Rock that is higher than I" and he is my light. He makes it worth it all and all to Him I credit for every one foot I put in front of the other in this journey.
Post a Comment