Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? – Psalm 94:16
Churches as well as leaders within churches have to be delicate with how they speak on politics. There is always a chance of alienating half your congregation, and as followers, we strive to unite whenever possible. While this is a noble, albeit impossible task, there are certain instances when we must risk becoming unpopular for the sake of Gospel Truth. Issues such as racial and gender equality are such issues we cannot choose to be quiet on. When we examine the policy and character of the current administration, the silence of the Church of Christ is becoming more and more difficult to keep. Perhaps what expedites this is the growing sentiment in this country that this president speaks for us as Christ followers. There have been puppet religious leaders who have claimed him as their own in a shameless grab for power and prestige.
Turning on the news today, I was saddened but unfortunately not surprised by the administration’s endorsement of Alabama politician Roy Moore. Through the years, Moore has been seen as a poster child for cultural Christian values in this country with his stand on homosexuality and the 10 commandments. When multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, the culture of Christianity was confused but unfortunately many were not repulsed.
Why do I bring this up? As a follower of Jesus, we understand the value found in honest dialogue with the culture around us. We value discussion, as it is often the avenue for God’s miraculous grace. When the world sees men in power who claim Christian values, but live more for power and wealth while abusing the “least of these”, the Church carries an obligation to dispute in grace. The current president is at best grossly incompetent, and at worse a tool in the hands of the enemy. There will be many who kick back at that statement, but is it not like the enemy to twist and pervert the gospel in a way to discredit it? Which scenario benefits him more; an ardent non-believer disagreeing philosophically with the claims of our Lord or a so-called believer who turns out to be highly hypocritical and evil?
Many will quote Scripture on how we should obey those who hold power in our country and treat with respect. However, political resistance is not without Biblical precedent. Both Daniel and John the Baptist were strongly in opposition against evil leaders. The democracy of the United States means that we elect our leaders and therefore gives us both a right and a duty to speak out against those who represent us and carry our endorsement. If the Church does not speak up against sexual abuse, corruption, and those who openly defile the name of our savior, then of what use is it?
34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. – Matthew 12:34
Matt simon blog 