God and Government
Monday, March 8th, 2010I have seen responses to how Christians should deal with our national condition. The general theme has been to honor America instead of God. Here is my take on this issue.
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What is our HONOR CODE as Christians…in regard to our government?
We are in tumultuous times, and many are having a difficult time facing the reality of the America we know…and the America we see in our future. The fact that God raises up nations for His purpose is a given. We are tempted to not honor God’s governing authorities because we disagree…but we are told to submit to them. (Rom. 13) Since God is in charge, He will take care of those who make unjust laws…when the time is right. (Isaiah 10:1-4)
Our issue is not the government we have, or will have. It is how we react to what God gives us!
We are in tumultuous times, and many are having a difficult time facing the reality of the America we know…and the America we see in our future. The fact that God raises up nations for His purpose is a given. We are tempted to not honor God’s governing authorities because we disagree…but we are told to submit to them. (Rom. 13) Since God is in charge, He will take care of those who make unjust laws…when the time is right. (Isaiah 10:1-4)
Our issue is not the government we have, or will have. It is how we react to what God gives us!
It is time to answer some different questions:
The founding fathers never intended for America to be a Christian nation! In fact, they strongly apposed the concept! America was build on an interesting mixture of Jewish and Christian concepts…based on the reality of God. We have learned over 234 years that these concepts do not always mix well…and, the moral realities have certainly not met the standards of Godliness!
The founding fathers never intended for America to be a Christian nation! In fact, they strongly apposed the concept! America was build on an interesting mixture of Jewish and Christian concepts…based on the reality of God. We have learned over 234 years that these concepts do not always mix well…and, the moral realities have certainly not met the standards of Godliness!
Is our loyalty to the COMFORT and PROSPERITY of the America we have grown to love?
Surely our loyalty is not to the immorality we see! It is interesting that the church was established in strikingly similar circumstances as we have today.
The Roman culture was corrupt and full of murder, cruelty, dishonesty, drunkenness, lying, materialism, adultery, homosexuality, divorce, greed, abuse, discirimination and governmental corruption on a different level.
As we read through the New Testament, we sense it is very difficult to resist CONFORMITY TO and ACCEPTANCE OF this cultural malaise. Maybe this is why there is so much said about materialism and being transformed through the Spirit instead of conformed to the world. (II Cor. 3:18)
The Roman culture was corrupt and full of murder, cruelty, dishonesty, drunkenness, lying, materialism, adultery, homosexuality, divorce, greed, abuse, discirimination and governmental corruption on a different level.
As we read through the New Testament, we sense it is very difficult to resist CONFORMITY TO and ACCEPTANCE OF this cultural malaise. Maybe this is why there is so much said about materialism and being transformed through the Spirit instead of conformed to the world. (II Cor. 3:18)
Is the condition of our country directly related to the fact that WE have been exposed to two subtle, but dangerous syndromes?
Sudden corruption causes immediate, powerful, transforming reactions. Gradual corruptive-changes cause eyebrow lifts that evolve into eyebrow twitches that eventually become Atrophic-Eye-Syndrome (insensitivity to the sin we see) . When the dangerous Look-The-Other-Way-Neck-Jerk-Syndrome (ignoring sin) is added to atrophic-eye syndrome, the result is moral blindness and often seductive, immoral involvement.
When we look at the situation in the church, do we see advanced symptom of Atrophic-Eye-Syndrome, or even Look-The-Other-Way-Neck-Jerk-Syndrome? Since we have been commissioned to stand for God, and we have trouble standing publicly, it is no surprise that the world is going to hell in a Ferrari. Who else will stand effectively? If we have been infected are we part of the spiritual cowardice problem?
Sudden corruption causes immediate, powerful, transforming reactions. Gradual corruptive-changes cause eyebrow lifts that evolve into eyebrow twitches that eventually become Atrophic-Eye-Syndrome (insensitivity to the sin we see) . When the dangerous Look-The-Other-Way-Neck-Jerk-Syndrome (ignoring sin) is added to atrophic-eye syndrome, the result is moral blindness and often seductive, immoral involvement.
When we look at the situation in the church, do we see advanced symptom of Atrophic-Eye-Syndrome, or even Look-The-Other-Way-Neck-Jerk-Syndrome? Since we have been commissioned to stand for God, and we have trouble standing publicly, it is no surprise that the world is going to hell in a Ferrari. Who else will stand effectively? If we have been infected are we part of the spiritual cowardice problem?
Have we become conformed to the American Way…instead of THE WAY?
If so, it is also no surprise that we can get angry at the possibilities of losing our American freedoms…but seem to have lost the ability to generate righteous indignation because of how so many have abused the name, and Way, of God? Until we repent, will God relent?
If so, it is also no surprise that we can get angry at the possibilities of losing our American freedoms…but seem to have lost the ability to generate righteous indignation because of how so many have abused the name, and Way, of God? Until we repent, will God relent?
Our HONOR CODE is to submit to governing authorities UNTIL WE NO LONGER CAN, because of His higher authority.
The truth is, even if every one of us voted, there are not enough of us to make much of a difference politically…and the powerful media is out to destroy us (Christianity). The only hope for America is for the remnant to be what God wants us to be…passionate, compassionate, praying soldiers in the Army of God.
We may not have direct influence with American politicians, but we do have direct influence with the God of the universe…which gives us power to be a force for unimaginable, redemptive change. It happened at Nineveh! But, is it possible to continue to be conformed to the world and be faithful to God…so He will work through us? It is time for transformation!
This is not the place for an in-depth study of leadership. But it is the place to point out that honorable leadership comes at a price…the demonstration of honorable, courageous leadership.
The truth is, even if every one of us voted, there are not enough of us to make much of a difference politically…and the powerful media is out to destroy us (Christianity). The only hope for America is for the remnant to be what God wants us to be…passionate, compassionate, praying soldiers in the Army of God.
We may not have direct influence with American politicians, but we do have direct influence with the God of the universe…which gives us power to be a force for unimaginable, redemptive change. It happened at Nineveh! But, is it possible to continue to be conformed to the world and be faithful to God…so He will work through us? It is time for transformation!
This is not the place for an in-depth study of leadership. But it is the place to point out that honorable leadership comes at a price…the demonstration of honorable, courageous leadership.
The New Testament church was committed to the government of God…regardless of the circumstances around them. They publicly pointed out the corruption of the Romans, but did not resist the Roman government. They were willing servants of the Roman soldiers! The courageously told the world about the superior government of God. There hope was not in the whims of foolish men or the weapons of massive armies. Their home was in the presence of the King of Kings that could stop armies with a thunderstorm…and there message of hope was peace, regardless of war.
Our response to the American condition is to compassionately point out the sin, and tell the story of the redemptive hope found in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Will the Lord’s people pray, and then quickly rise up and pay the price materially and emotionally to send the Light to America!
Our response to the American condition is to compassionately point out the sin, and tell the story of the redemptive hope found in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Will the Lord’s people pray, and then quickly rise up and pay the price materially and emotionally to send the Light to America!