November 4, 2008
If Republicans do poorly in today’s election, what will conservative Christians do?
Since 1979, politically and theologically conservative Christians have put a lot of faith in and cast many votes for Republicans. To paraphrase Ronald Reagan: are we better off than we were when this started nearly thirty years ago? Does culture reflect more of our faith? Is it more virtuous? I don’t see it.
In Romans 8, Paul says that God has built futility into his creation in hope that we will return to him. Maybe that is why so many have been frustrated in trying to force biblical truth on a country that doesn’t see government as God’s instrument in ushering in the kingdom of God.
Does that mean believers should retreat? Far from it. We should vote and pray for those in authority, but we should first and foremost follow the instructions and example of Jesus. Love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and care for widows and orphans, not as a government program, but as personal witness. Then watch as God responds and possibly grants us a revival, something we won’t see no matter which party controls the White House and Congress.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
