Daniel 2:20-22 – “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.  21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understand. 22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.”  NKJV

Many have been the times someone attempted to shame me into remaining silent on matters political, saying, “You know religion and politics don’t mix.”  Others, chide me saying that we are biblically and constitutionally bound by “Separation of Church and State.”  I question both those assertions and hopefully in the next few paragraphs I can explain why I disagree and/or question those positions.  I fully agree that the Constitution mandates that the federal government NEVER be allowed to infringe on our Freedom of Religion and the founding fathers sought diligently to prevent the federal government from choosing a particular denomination or sect as the State Religion or Church.  However, I disagree that they desired no influence from Christianity or the Bible in the forming of the functioning of government.  If they had they would not have included prayer, encouraged the Bible to be taught in public school, or recognized the desirable influence of the Bible and Christian religion in the lives of citizens and the function of government.

But, the foundational reason I believe that it is not only permissible but mandated for me to be involved in politics, speak out on matters social, economic, moral, spiritual, and political is rooted in the fact that I HAVE A LIFE and that life is rooted in my faith.  Matthew 6:33 instructs us to, “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”  That is to be FIRST and ABOVE all things so my first allegiance is to God.  Yet, I am “in this world, although not of it” according to the Bible and I am an “epistle known and read of men” in my words, deeds, and lifestyle.  I am the sum total of all the various dimensions and aspects of my life and I do believe that politics affects my life, therefore, I cannot divorce a portion of my life from the rest and be a real person.

I would ask if I am being a “good steward” in life if I ignore what is happening politically.  The edicts, decrees, and laws enacted in this nation have a direct impact on each of our lives individually and collectively and either enhance or restrict our God-given rights, privileges and liberties, therefore, they impact my life in all aspects.  If I am to “seek first” the kingdom of God and His righteousness and ignore unrighteousness in government I am remiss in my action and attitude.  Also, if I am commissioned by God, and I believe we all are, to “warn when we see danger” and sit silent and allow destruction and evil to reign without warning or speaking against it, we are guilty of the blood of those affected by the evil.  If we warn and they do not heed we are absolved but if we fail to warn we are guilty.

James Madison, one of our founding fathers, declared, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”  Men are not angels and contrary to the belief of some, man is not inherently good, and outside of Christ is depraved, and as a result man, without sufficient information, motivation, and a warning will frequently take the wrong path socially, morally, spiritually, and politically.  Thus, another reason I believe I am not only within my rights biblically but would be failing in my duties were I to sit silently on political and social matters.  If a matter is immoral, dare I do not warn of the danger and destruction?

However, my major purpose is not the government but God.  I realize that I can argue until I’m blue in the face about political or social issues and change few minds UNLESS I am successful in leading them to Christ and seeing a change in hearts.  So, while I will warn of the dangers lurking in various laws, policies, agendas, ideologies, and matters political I will always have as my first priority and objective, THE GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST.  I know that a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still, therefore, I must not simply seek to change someone’s mind on matters political or social but I must seek to expose them to the One who can change their hearts.  Sometimes, the only open door I have to get their attention spiritually is by discussing matters political.  I will warn and I will proclaim the Good News and in so doing will not only have satisfied the directive of a “watchman on the walls” but will plant seeds that could lead to eternal life.

            God bless you and God bless America!