by Rayola Kelley
Q: I am confused about my responsibility as a Christian concerning the political arena. There seems to be so much backbiting in the Christian realm against those who take the same side as others who do not hold to the same fundamental Christian beliefs. Can you help me settle this inner conflict that is taking place within myself?
A: I understand why you have such a conflict, for I have heard immense criticism coming out of certain Christian camps against Christians being associated with those who hold to other religious beliefs when it comes to politics. The problem is that some Christians fail to recognize the bigger picture. They have a tendency to make everything about doctrine or theology forcing people to take sides based on what others might believe instead of the real issues confronting this nation. When it comes to spiritual matters it is true we must have agreement at the point of spirit and truth that allows us to come together in fellowship to partake of our precious Bread from heaven. However, some matters have nothing to do with agreement in spirit or theology that would require us to take sides according to such premises.
Some issues are a matter of standing for what is right in order to stand against what is wrong. In this case right is right and wrong is wrong no matter what arena it envelops. It is important to note you are simply standing. There is no spiritual agreement or fellowship involved that would require you to compromise what you know or value as being true concerning your spiritual foundation.
The truth is wherever there is a war between right and wrong, we are told in Ephesians 6:10-13 to stand, not fellowship. For example when I go to stand, I cannot worry about those who are standing beside me due to the fact they are taking the same stance in regard to what is right. Can you imagine a soldier interrogating the soldier standing next to him or her to see if the person meets all criteria before marching together? It would be absurd! Such an individual would eventually end up marching all by him or herself, ready to be picked off by the enemy. Every great soldier who is about to stand for what is right does not care who he or she is marching alongside, as long as that individual is loyal to the same cause. It is for this reason that you can find people who have different beliefs, not only watching out for each other’s backside on the battlefield, but also end up dying alongside of each other.
I have to admit, the pettiness and ridiculousness of some Christians is appalling and reveals that they are out of touch with what is really going on. The truth is the freedom of speech, and the freedom to worship as one’s conscience dictates, along with moral decency is clearly under attack in our nation, and should be of the uppermost concern for everyone that believes in the Judeo-Christian principles that made this nation great. To withstand the blatant affront that is coming from the wicked leadership in Washington D. C., will take a unified front of people standing against the evil, insidious takeover that is occurring right before our eyes. To become judgmental or petty in the name of religious piety at such a time causes such individuals to appear arrogant, snobbish and foolish, and could easily set up an environment where all the opposing side will have to do is simply come in and lead many people like sheep to the slaughter. To be honest, these individuals need to wake up and discern the times we are living in, as well as the real issues that are confronting us as a nation. Whether we like it or not it will affect us as a Body of believers and as individuals.
As a believer, I am aware that all battles are won first in the prayer closet. Effective prayer not only starts from the premise of humility before a loving, holy God where one can be reasoned with, but it also entails repentance for personal foolishness and wrong attitudes. I would admonish such critical “pious” individuals to honestly examine their attitudes before taking potshots at others, and making sure they are personally standing on solid ground before the Lord.
A final note: If you know anything about history, we are clearly living in the days of pre-Nazi Germany in America. Those who perceive they are being honorable and noble about not standing as a unified front with others against the wicked affront taking center stage in this nation better be willing to listen to sound reasoning before it is too late! The observation of Rev. Martin Neemollar in 1945 comes to mind. Let it serve as a warning and a wakeup call to every freedom-loving American, including Christians.
First, they came for the Communists,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist,
Then they came for the Jews,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
And by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.