Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The Responsibility of Christians in A Post-Election America

From Obama's victory speech:

"This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other."

This is more true now than ever. It has never been up to the government, or even the church for that matter, to fix the world for us. It has always been up to each of us, individually, empowered by God, collectively, to bring about positive change. We can no longer be content to live in a world where we elevate ourselves above our neighbor. We must redevelop a sense of civic responsibility and a dedication to the common good. This is not socialism. This is Christ's call to us.

I am more proud of America now than I have ever been. As Christians we must look beyond what is good for the US alone and keep our focus on the Kingdom that is to come, God's Kingdom on Earth. May God "grant us the privilege of His worldview" (Toby Mac)

Where do we go from here? The first step is to be in prayer. We must pray for our leaders. We must pray that the church will stand up for the poor, the oppressed, and the needy. Pray that the evil forces of racism will not prevail. Pray for our new president's safety and the safety of his family. Pray that he will earnestly seek God's will as he goes forward. Pray that the nation our children inherit will be one where the oppression of people based on the color of their skin is unimaginable. Pray that the economic forces of oppression would also be eradicated. Pray that America's promise, the promise of liberty and justice for all, would be fully realized. Pray for the unborn. Pray that the Democrat's pro-life voice would be heard. If we all begin to pray it will be impossible for God to ignore us. Remember the hope that we have is in Christ, not in the institutions of this world and not in politicians.

We must also move beyond prayer and ask God what our part will be in this new era. How can we effect and influence the world around us for God's glory. How can we make a positive impact toward protecting the rights of the unborn. Our government hasn't done it for us. Our new president won't do it for us. If these are the issues that most concern us, what will our life's testimony be when we stand before the Almighty and give an account for ourselves. I don't think that, "I voted Republican" will cut it.

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Let this be the testimony of your life.