Christians and the Government
We haven't had a good relationship. Christians and Government have been growing into mortal enemies of each other lately. Recent Supreme Court decisions and the growing ebb of secularization in our country has led to one of two responses from faithful Christians that we must learn to avoid:
The first is hostility. That Christians grow more antagonistic and angry toward their government as they will feel ostracized and demonized by the culture at large. Let's face it, Christianity or Christians have been portrayed as villains of progress in recent decades of American life. So came the moral majority and political action on the part of some... which left even deeper wounds on those far from God or bad memories for those who love Him and seek to love all He has made.
The second is withdrawal. To hunker down in our fox holes and holy huddles through non-interaction of all kinds. This too has failed as Christians are called to be lights and salt and do good in front of pagans that they might see them and glorify our God. Homeschooling parents who caricature the public school system unknowingly and unintentionally breed contempt in their children for anyone who does not share their faith and upbringing. Churches who built fences rather than bridges have become culturally irrelevant refusing to contextualize the message of the Cross for the sake of neighbors who need to see it have failed in Christ's commission.
There must be a better way.
Could it be found already in Abraham in Genesis 21?
Genesis 21:22–23 (NLT) About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. “God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,” Abimelech said. 23 “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so now swear that you will be loyal to me and to this country where you are living as a foreigner.”
"About this time?" Isaac has been born, Ishmael has departed. The promised family is starting to take root. But they live in a strange land as pilgrims and aliens. Much like Christians today.
Yet notice how the pagan king regards Abraham with respect? He sees God is with him. He sees the blessing of God on Abraham. And in this moment, Abraham and Abimelech form an accord to treat each other favorably.
They don't agree about much. But here's the reality. Abraham who must do life God's way finds a way to live in harmony with unbelieving neighbors to such an extent they seek peace with him. Would that the Christian Church could follow in our founder's footsteps in 21st Century, Post-Christian western civilization. That we live with them, and we seek peace with them, and they see God with us. And though they do not agree with us, we can work toward peace together in our land.
Christians must learn how to live like pilgrims as we will feel more like strangers every day in America.
After the covenant with Abimelech, Abraham and he went their separate ways. Abimelech went to attend to military matters... Abraham went to worship:
Genesis 21:32–34 (NLT) After making their covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech left with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned home to the land of the Philistines. 33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.
Note Verse 34: "And Abraham lived as a foreigner in Philistine country for a long time."
He lived in Philistine country IN PEACE for a LONG TIME because he lived at peace with his unbelieving neighbors, sought the peace of the city with them, and worshipped the Lord regularly.
Let's seek ways in which we can actively do the same.
Amen.
The first is hostility. That Christians grow more antagonistic and angry toward their government as they will feel ostracized and demonized by the culture at large. Let's face it, Christianity or Christians have been portrayed as villains of progress in recent decades of American life. So came the moral majority and political action on the part of some... which left even deeper wounds on those far from God or bad memories for those who love Him and seek to love all He has made.
The second is withdrawal. To hunker down in our fox holes and holy huddles through non-interaction of all kinds. This too has failed as Christians are called to be lights and salt and do good in front of pagans that they might see them and glorify our God. Homeschooling parents who caricature the public school system unknowingly and unintentionally breed contempt in their children for anyone who does not share their faith and upbringing. Churches who built fences rather than bridges have become culturally irrelevant refusing to contextualize the message of the Cross for the sake of neighbors who need to see it have failed in Christ's commission.
There must be a better way.
Could it be found already in Abraham in Genesis 21?
Genesis 21:22–23 (NLT) About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. “God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,” Abimelech said. 23 “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so now swear that you will be loyal to me and to this country where you are living as a foreigner.”
"About this time?" Isaac has been born, Ishmael has departed. The promised family is starting to take root. But they live in a strange land as pilgrims and aliens. Much like Christians today.
Yet notice how the pagan king regards Abraham with respect? He sees God is with him. He sees the blessing of God on Abraham. And in this moment, Abraham and Abimelech form an accord to treat each other favorably.
They don't agree about much. But here's the reality. Abraham who must do life God's way finds a way to live in harmony with unbelieving neighbors to such an extent they seek peace with him. Would that the Christian Church could follow in our founder's footsteps in 21st Century, Post-Christian western civilization. That we live with them, and we seek peace with them, and they see God with us. And though they do not agree with us, we can work toward peace together in our land.
Christians must learn how to live like pilgrims as we will feel more like strangers every day in America.
After the covenant with Abimelech, Abraham and he went their separate ways. Abimelech went to attend to military matters... Abraham went to worship:
Genesis 21:32–34 (NLT) After making their covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech left with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned home to the land of the Philistines. 33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.
Note Verse 34: "And Abraham lived as a foreigner in Philistine country for a long time."
He lived in Philistine country IN PEACE for a LONG TIME because he lived at peace with his unbelieving neighbors, sought the peace of the city with them, and worshipped the Lord regularly.
Let's seek ways in which we can actively do the same.
Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment