Last Thoughts

In his classic work, Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis reasons, “If individuals live only seventy years, then a state, or a nation, or a civilization, which may last for a thousand years, is more important than an individual.  But if Christianity is true, then the individual is not only more important but incomparably more important, for he is everlasting and the life of a state of a civilization, compared with his, is only a moment.”  The truth regarding the infinite worth of men, the fact that persons are made in the image of our Creator God, the amazing idea that God the Son would die in the place of His people, must form the foundation of our view of nation and government. 

Charles Colson asserts there are three basic reasons Christians must be involved in politics and government.  In accordance with principles outlined in Romans 13, we are to submit and pray for political leaders. (I confess I prayed more frequently and fervently for George W. Bush than I did for Bill Clinton – I was wrong.)  We have civic duties to perform as citizens.  Second, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are to bring standards of righteousness and justice.  This is a component of our cultural commission.  Third, we have a responsibility to bring “transcendent moral values into the public debate.”  Whether it is stem cell research or legislation to address climate control, there are serious moral principles and implications at stake.  What man can do must be governed by what he ought do.  It is the “moral impulse” of the Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address that animates and motivates the body politic.

Regardless of the outcome of this year’s historic presidential election, Christians need to recognize bedrock truths – the first of which is that God constitutes a majority of One.  “He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.  Scarcely have they been planted, Scarcely have they been sown, Scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, But He merely blows on them, and they wither, And the storm carries them away like stubble” (Isaiah 40:23-24 NASB).

Such recognition should lead to worship and obedience in private spheres and public squares.  “Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.  For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation” (Psalm 33:8-9; 11 NASB).

 As we reflect upon and rejoice in the precious heritage of our nation, we need to stress not only our Declaration of Independence but more so our Declaration of Dependence.  Although we embrace the “inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” we treasure the words of Jesus, “if any one wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34 NASB).  Thomas Jefferson’s words pale in contrast to the Word.

It is tragically ironic that a nation which espouses “life” as a fundamental right has degenerated into a culture of death.  The sanctity of life has been reduced to quality of life.  Consequently, the most dangerous place in the United States of America is in the womb of a mother.  Paradoxically, it is the One Who beckons us to pick up the cross, an instrument of death to self, Who proclaims Himself the way, the truth, and the life.  May we never confuse American civil religion with biblical Christianity. 

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, our nation observed a Day of Mourning.  Leaders gathered in the National Cathedral to weep, to pray, and to seek comfort.  A hymn of dependence was sung, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”  One politically-incorrect verse was omitted.

“Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle” (Martin Luther).

Some two thousand years ago, the most powerful man in the world issued a decree, and the entire world – even a pregnant Jewish teenager – traveled miles to be counted in a census for taxation purposes.  I sometimes picture Caesar Augustus, arguably the most influential Roman Emperor, standing outside a cold, dung-filled stable, where an infant lay.  I pose the questions, “Where are you today, Caesar Augustus?  Do you still have regal robes?  What about the One in swaddling clothes?  Whose decrees will be final?”

In this season of political, economic, social, and moral uncertainty, may our confidence be placed firmly in the “Man for All Seasons” – His name is Jesus.