America is in an upheaval! Christians are asking the questions “what do we do?”, and “where do we stand?” It is safe to say that there are Christians actively promoting their positions on both sides of the spectrum. Some Christians are very outspoken about their support for various groups for an array of what has come to be known as social injustice. On the other hand, some Christians are quiet and are keeping to themselves. What do we do?
Let’s start by recognizing that we live in the greatest nation on earth. America is the land of the free, and for that we give thanks to God. The citizens of this great nation are afforded great liberties, and every citizen is free to use said liberties. As a Christian, consider this. All Christians have dual citizenship. We in America are citizens of the USA and Heaven. Which one is more important?
Philippians 3:20-21
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”
The first thing that we should remember is that we do not need to have a position on everything. We have the right to be free thinkers and then keep it to ourselves if we choose. Everyone in this great country has the freedom to speak or to be silent. We need to be able to respect everyone’s choice in that matter.
Let us look at some Bible passages to help us better understand what should be considered in helping us make good decisions in these trying times.
Christians have the right to remain silent. The culture that we live in wants us to pick sides. Brethren, you and I should all pick Jesus first. Just because friends and others are pressuring us to pick sides does not mean you have to. Look to the example of Jesus. Jesus was in a tense political environment. The Jewish people on one side, the gentiles on the other, and all people of earth weighing in the balance. Christ chose to remain silent.
CHRIST PRACTICED SILENCE IN A POLITICALLY CHARGED ENVIRONMENT
Matthew 27:14
“But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.”
WE ARE TO LIVE PEACEFULLY WITH ALL PEOPLE
Are the choices we’re making promoting peaceful living amongst others? Is it causing harm or is it affecting good? These are things we must consider, especially in the time we live in now in 2020.
Romans 12:17-18
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
GOD CARES FOR AND LOVES ALL SOULS AS WE SHOULD
As Christians, we need to care for and love the souls of all people. We need to be Christ-like on this earth, being loving towards everyone. We need to understand that the church has the responsibility of teaching souls about Salvation. Christ died for all people to have this opportunity no matter their race, color, or creed. God wants all people to be in his family. Are we promoting this?
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
WE NEED TO BE RIGHTEOUS TOWARDS OUR GOVERNMENT
As Christians we need to remember that God is in control. We need to be in subjection to the local government, not fighting against it. This is not just because I’m saying this, but because the Bible teaches this. We need to be living peaceably not only with individual people, but also with the government that God has put in place. If a Christian is living correctly, he or she will not have a problem with government as we are not living in contradiction against the laws, but rather living peaceably.
Romans 13:1-5
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake”
WE NEED TO ABSTAIN FROM EVEN THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL
As Christians we should remember that we need to abstain from even the appearance of evil. Even if something looks evil or not up to God’s standards, we should not be involved in it. We are called to keep ourselves pure and our standards high. The fruits of this standard are love for everyone and good works towards everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from all appearance of evil”.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ultimately, every citizen of this great country has free speech amongst other liberties. Ultimately, Christians who are dual citizens of this country and of heaven have the right to speak up or stay silent. Christians have the right to draw attention to whatever cause they would like. However, a line of distinction needs to be made. As far as I can see, here’s the line of distinction. If a Christian chooses to attach themselves to a movement, that movement must be law-abiding and moral as not to bring reproach on the church with our involvement. Christians cannot be attached to groups that promote lawbreaking, just as a Christian cannot be attached to groups that promote immorality. If we attach ourselves to these types of movements, we then approve of the lawbreaking and immorality, amongst other things that God would not approve of. A Christian must live at a higher standard. We must also remember that sometimes it’s better to be silent like Christ was silent. God is in control.
If you as a Christian feel like you have to say something or take a stand during this great upheaval that we’re living in, it is your right to do so. However, consider this. Do not link yourself with groups or movements that openly defy government, break laws, or make bad decisions in the name of justice. Rather, use your voice, powerfully sending messages of love through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all equal at the foot of the cross. In Christ is where we truly stand united and together. If you must be outspoken as a Christian, do so in a manner that is in accordance with Christian living, that makes an impact, that saves souls, that promotes peacefulness, and that promotes Salvation.
Let’s make good choices in our Christian lives. Let us remember that as Christians, we don’t need to be involved in everything. However, in everything we do need to be showing Christ to the world, lest we bring reproach on the church.