It is no secret that Americans are experiencing a time of extreme politic division. And those who identify as Christians are not exempt from the disagreements, disputes and divisiveness generated in the current political and social climate.
I frequently hear conservative American Christians bemoan allegedly immoral or ungodly government policies and complain at length about the downward direction of the society in which they live. Often, the tone of these diatribes becomes one of disgust and despair.
The complaints of conservative Christians about what is happening in the world around them are not without grounds. One can make the argument that this is a nation in crisis; that it has reached a ‘tipping point’ of critical importance. It is possible that America will at some point no longer be the most free and wealthiest nation on the globe.
However, none of this means Christians must spend their time and energy reciting a litany of the nation’s woes. Before falling into a pattern of negativity in thought and conversation, I suggest they consider the following seven points:
1. This world is broken and has been since the fall of man. Terrible things have happened in the past, and terrible things will happen in the future.
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. – I John 5:19
People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world. – Luke 21:26a
2. There is a spiritual dimension behind many events reported in the news, and Christians should not respond like non-Christians.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – I Peter 5:8
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Eph 6:12
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. – Romans 12:2a
3. We don’t always understand what God allows or causes, or his reasons for doing so.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:9
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. – I Cor. 1:25
4. It is possible that North American Christians will be persecuted and suffer for their faith. If so, they are called not to despair but to inner peace and unshakeable hope.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world – John 16:33
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, - Psalm 16:8-9
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – Romans 5:3-5
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39
5. Christians ought to pray for their society, country, and the world around them.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16b
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12
6. Christians should interact with the world with confidence. They should stand for what is right and speak the truth boldly.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – II Tim 1:7
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. – II Cor 3:12
7. Christians should be a source of light and enlightenment, always treating others, including those with whom they disagree politically, with love and respect.
You are the light of the world. – Matt 5:14a
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, - I Peter 3:15
If you are a Christian who disagrees with, or perhaps even despairs over, current trends in politics, culture, or morality, I suggest you challenge yourself by asking the following two questions:
1. Do I really trust that God is allowing what I don’t like to happen for his own very good reasons?
2. Do I want others to see in me a complaining and discouraged person, or a hopeful and encouraging person committed to light and truth?
