IF YOU DON'T READ ANYTHING ELSE FROM ME, PLEASE READ THIS.
If you were asked why you do the things you do, would you be able to give an answer?
I was recently asked what I hope to accomplish through being involved in the political arena by an extremely close friend, and I had never really thought of it before. I have always known why I was involved in the civic system, but I had never really taken an in depth look at what exactly I hope to accomplish for Christ through the political arena.
Well, I did, and I have come to a conclusion.
As Christians we are called to Glorify Christ through everything we do, right? Right. Well, how can we make a difference, and glorify Him through the political arena? Will people actually listen to lawmakers? Sure, they will follow the laws, but we all know that you cannot legislate Morality. So, how do we expect our Country to become that of one founded on Godly principles once again if we cannot force people to believe the way we do or follow the same code of ethics?
The answer may seem simple at first, but it isn't. My initial response was to say that "people in power who have authority tend to have a greater influence on the minds of Americans than anyone else because they have been given a means of communication." However, this is not a valid answer.
Just because George Bush or Newt Gingrich come out and say something that I may agree with, the majority of people will probably think that they are completely and totally nuts. What is the purpose then? If myself, or some of my other friends involved i the civic arena are someday able to obtain some type of legislative or executive office, it certainly doesn't mean that people will immediately listen to us! In fact, in this day and age, people are more likely to tear those in authority apart rather than listen to them.
In Romans it says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is
no authority except that which God has established. The authorities
that exist have been established by God. Consequently,
he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has
instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." Somewhere else (pardon me for not being able to find the reference) it talks about how God will not let the Righteous
fall, which is the perfect reason to give everything we have to the
purpose of helping America get back to being "righteous."
If
we are to bow to the authorities established by God, but they aren't
following his ways, how can we be Righteous? The fact of the matter is
that we can't. We cannot return to being a righteous nation without first helping men and women who hold to the same Judeo- Christian Values (not the false 'there is no real moral code so I won't tell you when you are wrong' - 'You don't hurt me, I won't hurt you' - 'peacenik, pacifistic' - 'tree hugging' - 'anti force pansy' type Christianity that is invading our Churches and blinding our Pastors nowadays) that we were founded upon! Some have argued that the Founding Fathers were not men of Godly stature because some random humanistic, human rights junkie historian said so, or because they had slaves (actually, over 70%of the Founders DID NOT have slaves), but since when will we allow these people to re-write the facts based on what they want them to say?
The fact of the matter is that our purpose must be higher than just obtaining a position of power and using it to influence people's minds. Have you ever heard the old Hymn that says "They will know we are Christians by our love"(if you have any type of Church of Christ background you should immediately know it by heart)? Well, that song pretty much outlines what our mission should be. Obviously, if we outlaw abortion and gay marriage it isn't going to stop young girls from having abortions, or gays from being gay... But, if we start with things like that, but also convey our message as a message of Love (just like the old song), people will begin to see what we're all about and we will be able to plant the early seeds of those old Judeo- Christian values and principles that we once held so dear.
I recently went and saw the movie "Amazing Grace" about the life of William Wilberforce. I have always held him as somewhat of a role model, and have always had a small knowledge of the things he did, but this movie brought his life, as well as my own to a whole new light. For those of us involved in the Political arena, it is the perfect example of how we can still be involved in an arena filled with corruption and deviation. We cannot be afraid to tell people when they are wrong, and cannot be afraid to keep pressing on towards our goals when everyone else is pressing against us. We have to stand strong, show our resolve when we fail, and realize that no matter what others may say or think, as long as we are within God's will, we need not move from that place.
So, how do I plan on using my influence in the political arena for Christ? By not backing down, by being within his will, and by standing against the tide when it is high and never giving up.
Comments (7)
Amazing Grace = Good movie
Dr. Farris brought me and some others to see it.
Good to see you when you stopped by! Too bad it couldn't of been longer.
Take care and stay strong in Jesus,
kenny
Gnarls Barkley? lol
Gotta go get on school homey, can't read now.