Don’t Be Misled

In recent years, we have seen a dramatic shift in the political power of Christian influence in our nation. The President issued an Executive Order “Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias”, and states are following suit. Many states have passed a variety of pro-Christian laws restricting access to abortion, eliminating DEI practices, and narrowly defining gender by sex at birth. More dramatic changes have been seen in state Departments of Education. In Louisiana, a bill passed requiring the ten commandments to be posted in public school classrooms. In Oklahoma, Bibles have been purchased for use in public school classrooms. There is also a mandate to use Bible-infused instructional materials. In Louisiana, Florida, and Texas public schools are now encouraged to hire religious chaplains to act as counselors. The question I am left with is- Is this necessarily a “win”?

Many continue to argue that America was established as a Christian nation and that it needs to be re-claimed. After all, “In God We Trust” is printed on our money and the Pledge of Allegiance contains the words “one nation under God“. Ironically, people seem to forget that money and earthly allegiances are enemies of God (Matthew 6:24 ; 1 John 2:16). Still, these arguments fall flat because these references to God weren’t added until the 1950s. In truth, our country was not founded on Christianity, but rather on religious liberty.

The First Amendment of the Constitution specifies two things relating to religious freedom. One is to prevent the government from interfering with the free exercise of individual religious beliefs. The other, is to prevent the government from endorsing a certain religion or becoming involved in religious activities. This is generally referred to as separation of church and state. Separating religion from the government is protective for both the church and the nation. On the side of government, it keeps laws neutral for a nation permitting practice of different faiths. More importantly, however, is that this separation protects the church from becoming a political tool.

Often political goals conflict with scripture and the teaching of Christ. When we blend political power with Christianity the resulting product is Christian Nationalism, a Christian-fueled patriotism. This false version of Christianity uses a distorted message to achieve political ends. Any scripture contrary to the political objective. It gives the illusion of Christian restoration, but it is accomplished in decidedly un-Christian ways. Christians should recognize that the ends never justify the means. Rather, it is the means that defines us as Christians!

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35

It is true that Jesus calls us to be agents of change in the world. But people cannot be led to Jesus by force, nor can you legislate morality. The only way to change hearts is by treating others with love, compassion, and respect. It is a confusing time to be a Christian because this skewed version of Christianity is gaining momentum. Those proclaiming Christianity the loudest are often the ones behaving the least like Christ.

So how do we stay vigilant as Christians so we are not led astray? Getting our spiritual guidance from news outlets, social media, prosperity gospel preachers, or politicians will quickly lead people down the wrong path.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them — bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories” – 2 Peter 2:1-3

It is essential that we get our spiritual guidance from the source, by reading scripture for ourselves. When we regularly read and contemplate scripture we gain an intimate knowledge of our shepherd’s voice.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

As Christians we must learn to discern the truth of what we hear. Not all that glitters is gold. The first step is to test the message. Is the message consistent with scripture? Christians must uphold all Christian values, not just those that fit our politics. The Bible has much to say about how we should treat the “least of these”, including the poor and migrants.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9

You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. – Leviticus 19:34

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Phillipians 2:4

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

Are you seeing this type of selfless love toward the marginalized in our nation? Scripture also instructs us on how to treat those who disagree with us or those we consider our enemy.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:18

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. – Matthew 5:4

Is our nation practicing the humility and tolerance that is described in scripture? When our Christian witness lacks consistency it makes us hypocrites, and any political gains remain hollow and empty. To truly bring change to our nation we must humble ourselves and follow the example set for us by Christ.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:21