Christian Duty

This morning, an influential Christian apologist, who has also co-authored a couple of books, was the guest speaker at the church we attended in Colorado. He was an excellent and captivating speaker and I appreciated much of what he had to say. One statement he made, though, particularly caught my attention. In response to a question about the place of Christian activism, he stated that he strongly encourages Christians to be politically active, but that he would not use the Bible to publicly iterate his positions on current issues (he specifically mentioned homosexuality, saying that he would cite other statistics to make his point, rather than appealing to Scripture). His statement immediately reminded me of these verses in Psalm 96:

“Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.” v.3

“Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.” v.10

This is a responsibility that all Christians have and is in no way eliminated when they are serving actively in the public square or when they are elected into office. On the contrary! They should view such service as an opportunity to reach an even larger audience than before! (As an aside: What a challenge these verses are to me as well, as I honestly evaluate my own life and question how often I openly acknowledge God among the heathen. In my every day discourse, is my heart overflowing with the praises of God? Am I openly declaring His glory and His Lordship? If I am judging the failure of others to follow these verses, am I prepared to be judged by the same standard?)

This weekend I hope to have a chance to meet some of the candidates running for office here in Kansas this year. There are a number of important races that will take place, notably, the gubernatorial race. I have been unsuccessful in locating much useful information on the three Republican candidates (Ken Canfield, Jim Barnett and Robin Jennison) who are vying for a chance to run against Governor Sebelius this fall. I’m hopeful that I will be better informed after this weekend (though I must admit, I’m not as hopeful that I will emerge excited enough about any of the candidates to whole-heartedly support them…though I will be happy to be proved wrong on that point).

David Barton has a couple of articles on How You Can Be Involved and Ten Steps to Change America on his Wall Builders website. While I do not agree with everything that he says, I found several key points and quotes especially pertinent and thought-provoking:

“Learn to examine governmental actions in light of the Biblical principle of national accountability.”
(Deuteronomy 28; I Chronicles 21; I Kings 18)
David Barton

“When we understand that not only does God hold America accountable for its leaders, but that His judgment on a nation affects everyone—whether righteous or unrighteous—we then find motivation to monitor the positions of our leaders and to become involved in national affairs.”
David Barton

Founding Father Noah Webster delivered [this] admonition:

“Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God [Exodus 18:21]. . . . [I]f the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted . . . If [our] government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.”
From The History of the United States (New Haven: Durrie and Peck, 1832), pp. 336-337, 49.

America’s first Supreme Court Chief Justice John Jay advised:

“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. It is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, 1794-1826, Henry P. Johnston, editor (New York: G. P. Putnam' s Sons, 1893), Vol. IV, p.393

“We must regain the conviction that Biblical principles are vital to national success, and we must be willing to pursue their reinstatement.”
David Barton

“Once you have determined each candidate's stand on moral and religious issues, do all you can to publicize those positions to your friends, acquaintances, and associates.”
David Barton

In an effort to heed these last words of advice, I hope to post additional information following this next weekend. May each of us, as Christians, faithfully fulfill our duty as citizens by praying for our leaders and seeking to elect Godly men into positions of leadership in our cities, our states, and our nation.