Opinion: Christians should focus on God’s approval over government’s rulings
At one point in history, a case could be made that America was close to being a Christian country. Now, it is clear that America is far from being labeled as Christian.
Examples of this change continue to occur. For instance, this past September, a federal judge ordered that a Pennsylvania county remove the cross from its seal. The cross bore historical significance to that county, and an argument could be made that the cross should have stayed, but fighting that legal battle is not my immediate concern.
There is also a debate about what the philosophical, sociological and theological reasons behind this shift are. While understanding how this transition happened is valuable, that debate is not my immediate concern either.
My immediate concern is that the church in America will fight for political gain at the expense of the gospel. Platforms to preach the gospel can be used for good, and it must be remembered that widespread political influence and forced obedience has never changed the heart of any man.
Christians should not worry whether or not our government approves of God. Instead, Christians should be focused on whether or not God approves of how they are conducting themselves in the midst of that government.
Because tomorrow, another federal judge could order that every cross is to be removed from every community, every church and every home. Even if this occurs and a month from now the cross cannot be found in any public or private sphere, the universe sustaining, life-altering power of the cross will still continue for all eternity.
Our hope is not in where the cross is displayed, but in the death and resurrection of Jesus that the cross stands for.
This constant hope and reason for joy that we have as Christians should remind us that this world is not our home and our allegiance is to Christ above all. We are citizens of heaven, and this shapes not only what we see as valuable, but also the manner in which we strive for those values. The ends cannot be used as justification for the means.
In addition, being a citizen of heaven first does not disqualify us from being valuable citizens of America as well. On the contrary, if we conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, as Paul told the church in Phillipi to do, then we will end up as good American citizens in most contexts as well.
The governments and their leaders have been given power by God, and we are called to submit to our authorities in every manner that does not violate the Christian life, as laid out in the Bible. So aside from any law that would cause us to sin, we are to submit to the government in matters big and small, whether we agree or not.
Pastor John Piper said that even driving at or below the speed limit is an act of worshipping God because we are demonstrating submission to whatever authority God has placed in our lives.
“Do the math sometime,” Piper said. “Going sixty-five in a fifty-five for five miles, gets you there thirty seconds earlier. Is it worth God’s disapproval?”
Aside from being law-abiding citizens with occasional instances for civil disobedience, there are various other aspects of being a Christian that translate to good citizenship as well. Having a joyful marriage, raising respectful children, being a part of local neighborhoods, volunteering in the community, adopting and giving to those in need are just a few of the ways living out our faith serves as a witness to those around us and contributes to the progress of America.
But in the end, America will not last forever.
As Christians, this is not cause for panic or concern. History is filled with Christ remaining consistent and faithful in the midst of empires rising and falling.
Instead, this knowledge should serve as a reminder that our time, hope and joy should not be stored up in earthly kingdoms where moth and rust destroy, but in the kingdom of heaven where thieves cannot break in and steal. For where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.