As I am writing this article, the President has been impeached, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is about to swear in the United States Senators as jurors in the impeachment trial. Impeachment is a political process, as designed by framers of our constitution. In this case, it is also a partisan process, as Democrat and Republican representatives and senators are dividing (or are projected to divide) almost exclusively along party lines in their votes on the matter.
This is a sad time for Americans. The partisanship and rancor that is present in our nation is disheartening. It has been this way before, many times. In fact, politically our republic is messy, and unrest may be considered a fact of life. In some ways it is as it should be in any democratic process. The conflict consists of words, and protests seldom lead to actual violence. For this we are thankful.
However, as an American today, I find myself more and more dissatisfied with our political landscape. The rhetoric is hateful, with rancor and disrespect shown consistently on both sides. I find I share fewer and fewer common values with either of the two major parties. Dishonesty and corruption are common, fiscal restraint is non-existent, and true moral conviction is absent or weak.
Virtue has been redefined as we progress more and more to stark humanism as a nation, and it is common for Christian values to be ridiculed by national leaders and media. It is possible that the Presidential nominee for the Democrat party could be openly homosexual, and who additionally has the audacity to claim to be Christian. Our current President has been married three times, and is widely acknowledged to have had numerous adulterous affairs.
While the situation is frustrating and disheartening, it is not materially different from what Christians have experienced in every age and country. The apostle Peter referred to Christians as “sojourners and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11), this world is not our home. We do not (and should not) fit in with this world. Having said that, while we are not of the world, we are in the world. What is the proper response of a Christian living in America today?
First, maintain a proper allegiance to Christ. Paul exhorted the Philippians to walk in accord with the pattern established by God. This in contrast to the worldly walk that ends “in destruction” as people “set their mind on earthly things.” Paul wrote, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:19-20).
It seems that most Christians are patriotic. At its core, patriotism consists of principles of loyalty, respect and commitment. All of these are laudable, and so it is not surprising that we will have these feelings for our country, especially as it was established upon principles we share.
However, it is important to note that our first loyalties lie with God. Our citizenship in the United States is second to our citizenship in heaven. Our pledge of allegiance to the USA is subjugated to our allegiance to our Lord. While this principle is obvious, I fear it is seldom that easy to live by in these confusing times. It is important to note that no political party has any claim to righteousness. Whether it be moral sin, oppression of the poor, corruption, lust for power, self-righteousness or willfulness, the national parties of our day are morally bankrupt. It has been often stated, and is true, God is not associated with either of the two parties which make up the majority in our present national political system.
Second, obey the laws of the land. Paul made this responsibility clear in Romans 13. “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” (vs. 1-2). No matter how ungodly our government becomes, until God brings judgment upon our nation, we will have this responsibility. There is a caveat, however. If our government compels us to disobey God, our allegiance is first to Him. “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Third, pray! Again, Paul weighs in here, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Prayers for our national leaders are in our own self-interest. They bring God’s providence and will into the picture.
Fourth, live as examples, and preach the gospel. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature’” (Mark 16:15). We have many problems in our country, but the main problem is sin. And the solution to that problem is repentance and conversion to Christ.
You will notice that I have not listed either running for office, or voting. While these may help, (and I would certainly encourage voting), they can’t be compelled scripturally, and should not be considered required of Christians. (Some feel that way, but there is no scriptural basis for this contention). Not voting violates no law of man or God, and so a Christian should not be shamed or criticized for not exercising what is a right, not a command (cf. Romans 14).
Remember, being an American and a Christian are not the same. And, only one is required for eternal life.
