Is it proper to mix Christianity and American politics? Part 2
Is it proper to mix Christianity and American politics? Last week, in part one, I provided ample evidence showing that historically it is more than proper that the two mix; but what about biblically?
Colossians 1:15-17 reads;
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities. All things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
In this scripture the Apostle Paul reveals to us the majesty and glory of the invisible God, Jesus Christ; “in him all things were created in heaven and on earth”; including “thrones, powers, rulers and authorities.” He wrote that these “thrones, powers, rulers and authorities” were created “through him and for him.”
The last six words of verse 17 are remarkable; “in him all things hold together.” Incredible; it is in Christ that all things are held together!
How does Christ hold together these “thrones, powers, rulers and authorities?”
We find the answer to this question in Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” According to Paul, as a Christian I am dead; I no longer live, but Christ lives in and through me.
I often hear Christians talk about how hard it is to live the Christian life. The Christian life isn’t hard to live; it’s impossible! We can’t live the Christian life. All we can do is daily surrender our “so-called life” to Christ and allow him to live his life through us. The only life I have is Christ’s.
Now, let’s put everything together.
Jesus holds together “thrones, powers, rulers and authorities” through Christians!
As we surrender to Christ, he lives through us. When we stand up in the school board meetings, Christ is standing. When we run for office, Christ is running for office. When we testify at hearings at the state capitol, Christ is testifying. When we write, call or fax our congressman, they read Christ’s words.
If we do not participate in the political system; where’s Christ? How will our government “hold together?”
Let’s not forget the political philosophy of President John Adams. According to historian Gleaves Whitney, Adams believed that the American experiment would only succeed if citizens leavened their freedom with virtue. Otherwise liberty would devolve into license and the republic would crumble from within.
I believe spiritually the same is true. If Christian people do not become involved in the American political process, thus holding it together, our nation will crumble.
Christians, the future of America is literally in our hands.
