At the time of this writing, it is said that we live in the greatest country in the world, but the success we cherish is not the result of chance. Many early Americans, including most of the Founders, understood that in order for a nation to thrive and prosper, God’s Word must provide the basis for the government and the welfare of society. I’m not suggesting a theocracy, nor were the Founders, but I am suggesting a return to Judeo-Christian values. Just as water rapidly eroded the banks of the mighty Colorado River and created a vast Grand Canyon, America’s current belief system (relativism) has eroded her foundation and created a moral void.
As a result of massive ad campaigns on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and so on, we are witnessing a strong surge of young elected officials. Sadly, talking points and wrong information rather than character and truth is influencing the next generation. As I recently wrote in an op-ed on socialism and borders, much of the division in our nation centers around a biblical worldview or a lack thereof. Students of Scripture understand that God uses governmental leaders to accomplish His purposes and plans.
Patrick Henry, an American orator and statesman and a leading patriot of the American Revolution, is often credited with saying, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” This is why 24 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence received what, today, would be considered a seminary education. This also explains why the Supreme Court, in the early 1800s, ruled that public schools should teach the Bible. Noah Webster went so far as to say that “education is useless without the Bible.” Future leaders must recognize our total dependence on God and then lead accordingly.
History, as well as the original intent of the Founders, does not allow us to separate God’s Word from governing our nation. The Founders chose a republic over a democracy for this very reason. A democracy governs by direct vote of the majority of the people; principle-centered leadership was to govern America’s republic. Representatives were to vote and administrate according to unchanging biblical principles, not by feelings or opinion polls. Murder, stealing, lying, and so forth are always wrong regardless of how the majority may vote. This isn’t a popular stance, or an easy one, but it’s the right one! We need more people in leadership who recognize the urgent need to return to biblical principles.
Unlike today, many early political leaders were not ashamed to admit the true source of America’s strength—they were biblically correct, rather than politically correct. They were statesmen, not politicians. A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman thinks of the next generation.
There is a saying that one generation plants trees for the next generation. I’m concerned that instead of planting, we are removing and destroying the very covering that protects us. As a result, our legacy as a great and noble nation has all but been forgotten. For instance, most schools no longer teach students about the spiritual foundation that has guided America throughout her history. Consequently, America’s moral and religious heritage is often deleted, grossly distorted, or revised altogether. As stated earlier: Students often miss the critical connection between America’s unparalleled greatness, her rise to world leadership, and the spiritual foundation that made it possible.
The public must educate themselves on each candidate. We cannot overlook our civic responsibility as Christians—we can no longer hide behind the excuse, “I don’t want to get involved.” As citizens, we have the privilege (for now) to place people in positions of leadership. God blessed us with this privilege. Whether we like it or not, we are involved. Millions are not registered to vote, and millions of registered voters stay at home. We’ll stand in line to see a movie, but we won’t stand in line to vote and elect leaders who will affect the direction of our country.
Here are a few in my home state that I’m keeping my eye on at the federal level. I believe that these individuals are focused on the next generation, not the next election. I believe that they understand that God’s Word must be the foundation of all legislation:
Sean Feucht is a candidate for the 3rd District in California. I had the privilege of spending a half-day with him and his wife Kate as we toured the border in San Diego. Sean’s message of family values, smaller and accountable government and common sense is a breath of fresh air. A devoted husband and father of four Sean is setting aside his career and standing up for the next generation. I’m also keeping an eye on people such as Brian Jones, Erin Cruz, and Amy Phan West … all are committed to conservative values.
Please take time this week and pray and fast for our nation. Prayer is more powerful than protest! We should not rely on political power, but on the power of God through prayer. The great preacher, C.H. Spurgeon, once said, “I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach.”
For those who doubt the power of prayer in America’s history, consider this excerpt from the book, One Nation Under God—The History of Prayer in America: “Prayer stands as one of the most critical and indisputable factors to have influenced the course of American history.” Many of those who study history understand the connection. We must keep the fire of prayer going in our homes and our churches.
A majority of this article was excerpted from my book, One Nation “Above” God. Free downloads are available here and you can also follow me here.
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The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of CrosswalkHeadlines.
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the WCF Radio Network. More can be found at ShaneIdleman.com, including free downloads of his eBooks. Visit him on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to his new podcast, Idleman Unplugged. You can also follow Pastor Shane on the free speech platform Parler.
