In my opinion, the rise of political corruption and immorality in our nation is a result of pastors and Christians not being involved in civil government. Christians and pastors believe they must compartmentalize their faith, keep it at home and in church, not in the political or public arena. Our Founding Fathers and early church ministers didn’t believe that – because the Bible doesn’t teach that. In Matthew 22:21 Jesus said; “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; AND unto God the things that are God’s”(emphasis mine). Jesus is teaching us we have responsibilities in both areas. Why would Jesus have us avoid civil government when He Himself created and ordained it? For example, in Romans 13:4-6 the Word of God mentions three times that those involved in government are “ministers of God.” This is probably why so many ministers were involved in civil government during the Founding Era, the Bible taught how important this role was.
Hebrews 11 is considered the “Faith Hall of Fame.” In verses 22-34 our great heroes of faith are held up as examples for being involved in civil government. Why would God use those heroes as examples of faith if we are not to be engaged in the civil arena? In I Timothy 2:1-2, God instructs us to pray “first of all” for “all men, for kings and all who are in authority.” Government must be important to God if He wants us to pray for our leaders before anyone else.
If our culture continues to suffer from spiritual decay it will be because of Christians’ non-involvement. President James Garfield, a minister of the gospel gave this warning, “If the next centennial does not find us to be a great nation it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”
In the year of our Lord 2018 –
Blessings, Tom
[email protected]
“In all your ways, acknowledge Him…” Proverbs 3:6
The quote from President James Garfield has been proven true, unfortunately. As Benjamin Franklin said, our country is a “republic, if we can keep it!” Spiritual apathy, and just plain evil, have brought us to the very brink of losing all that we hold dear and that many Americans have given their lives to defend and maintain. What a great loss! What kind of a society are our children and grandchildren going to have to live in? As Alexis de Tocqueville said, “America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”