I recently heard a powerful teaching on the importance of trusting the Lord. In this teaching, the teacher stressed that, “Jesus is all we need.” On its face, to many Christians, this seems entirely accurate, but if we dig a little deeper we find its application a little less certain.
Does this mean that we don’t need to brush our teeth? Does it mean that we have no need to work, or discipline our children, or protect them from danger?
Does this mean that there is no need to clothe ourselves, or pay our mortgages?
My point is that though we must trust in Jesus for our salvation, and provision, we still have duties, and responsibilities.
This preacher began his teaching by implying that too many Christians spend too much effort and attention on politics, and social media.
There is certainly a lot of evidence to this effect, though I don’t believe that it applies across the board. Social media is a tool, as well as a prospective temptation. We can easily become engrossed in gossip, and arguments, but we can also use the access it provides to share the Gospel, and inform others of dangers, and encouragements.
As for politics, it is certainly possible for people, Christian and otherwise, to become obsessive in the political realm. The opportunity exists to accuse our opponents of all kinds of offenses, or lionize our favorite politicians, but it is also possible to remain dutiful, circumspect, and use wisdom in our political involvement.
In answer to the prospect that we have no duty to “play politics,” I would remind my Christian brethren that the sovereign of our nation is set in the first three words of our US Constitution, “ We the people.” As I understand the constitution, all of our elected, and appointed political agents are public servants.
We often use this term, “public servants,” without recognizing the meaning of the term. We think of them as having authority over us, and our rights and privileges.
Instead, they are our servants in the managerial, and political realm. The people of the United States of America have authorized these people to manage according to the limits, and empowerments of their elected, or appointed positions. We are to supervise their performance and reward, or chastise them accordingly, (according to the US Constitution.)
In answer to those that suggest that true believers in the sovereignty of scripture, and trust in Jesus, preclude political activism, I ask you to consider if Mordecai, or Esther were wrong to engage in politics?
How about Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, ( AKA, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?) Were they wrong to resist the decrees of the king? Were they supposed to submit to the “law of the land,” or the commandments of their overlord?
What about Isaiah, and Jeremiah? Didn’t they spend a lot of time rebuking their king for disobeying the ruler of the universe? Were they wrong to oppose their rulers?
The answers to all of these questions are obvious, so why are we so often taught to ignore the folly of so many of our politicians, and blindly obey their commands?
The truth is, as believers in Jesus, and disciples of the word of God, as well as American citizens, we have the ability, and authority to discern good from evil, and demand righteousness from our government. Our God has given us the assignment to be vigilant. We must see to it that our politicians are held to account for their behavior. There is no-one more authorized than the American citizen to exercise oversight, and judgement over their politicians, and the restrictions, and empowerments they place upon us.
The first three words of the US Constitution being, “We the people,” every politician is to held under the authority of the American citizen. If Americans, and especially Christian Americans neglect their duty to monitor their politicians, and hold them to account, we will be governed by reprobates, and it will be partly the fault of the believer who neglected this awesome responsibility, and privilege.
God bless you, Dave
PS
There is a fellowship of Americans who recognize these rights, and responsibilities, They seek to hold our political servants accountable, and provide for the restoration of our Constitutional republic. It is called “Convention of States.”
I invite all concerned Americans to visit, COS Action
And Sign the petition.