Till Kingdom Come, American Citizen

"Therefore…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”…(Philippians 2:12-15 NKJ)

Have you noticed the quiet resurgence of America’s conservative movement recently?

For example, four years ago the nation put a conservative president into the White House. Two years ago both houses of Congress added to their conservative majorities. And without much fan-fare, last year’s election ensured a majority of conservative governors now lead state houses across the nation.

This year's coming election however, promises to hold some of the most vitriolic and raucous political contests ever witnessed, pitting conservative incumbents against the “intellectual elite” who seem willing to resort to just about anything to reacquire power. So, in many respects these are the best (and worst) of times. It seems the American experiment that started with the pilgrims, has drifted dangerously off-course since then, in terms of the ideals we hold dear. As such, we find ourselves at a cultural crossroads today.

Data from Barna Research suggests America’s moral perspectives are continuing to degenerate. They go on to state that our moral climate will not improve unless “strong and appealing moral leadership emerges to challenge and redirect people’s thoughts and behavior.” Within this context, what is it that Christians in American culture are called to do today? While the opening passage (above) answers this question, we seem to be split by a polarity of opposing camps advocating pietisms on one hand, and quietism on the other. While no one disagrees that we’re called to pursue our individual maturity in Christ and proclaim the Gospel, “how” we carryout these dual imperatives are matters of much debate.

Should Christians strive to advance a godly public agenda, or just “let go and let God?” I believe the answer is both, as these are two sides of the same coin. We show our world the beauty of righteousness, while resting in the sovereign power of God’s love. Polling data reveals that non-believers are seeking evidence that Christianity is truly life transforming. Individually, we need to “walk the talk” in our homes, communities and at work. Nationally, we must continue to “talk the walk,” as the promoters and defenders of freedom—“endowed by our Creator with inherent rights.” Together, America’s 90 million born again adults comprise an ever-growing percentage of the electorate. As keepers of the flame, are we not to be the champions of the Judeo-Christian ethic in Western culture—especially if we have the mind of Christ?

As for our plight, I am reminded of the book Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, which is best understood as a satire on 18th century morals and thought. In Book I of the story, the small size of the Lilliputians is in inverse proportion to the amount of their corruption. Today, albeit for different reasons, the Lilliputians could easily represent the liberal movement in America. Although relatively small in number, they hold sway over a slumbering conservative majority through control of the media, academia and the courts.

Liberal domination in America though, is a recent phenomenon. The America I know rose to prominence in large part because of a tradition of thrift, energy and intellect that its Puritan founders set in motion. Their lives were a direct outgrowth of their Christian faith. That we’re referred to as a Christian nation today, originates from the tradition of passing our faith and practice to the next generation. Unfortunately, an erosion of these Godly influences and values has accelerated during our generation.

Today’s noisy and rebellious coalition of liberal activists seems bent on removing all vestiges of Christianity from the public square. Under the ruse of “separating church and state” they really seek to “banish their most savage critic”—the Almighty. Try as they may, to scour the landscape of our traditions, they will not succeed, for the Critic lives within us. As temples of the Holy Spirit, Christians remain humanity’s last best hope to reach a world in spiritual darkness. And by His grace we will prevail.

I’ve read the Book. I know how it ends—and it’s glorious (Rev. 21). But until that day, let’s stay vigilant and persevere by remembering who we are and why we’re here. We are called to be light bearers to our generation—till Kingdom come, as American citizens.

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14, 16 NIV)

Roy Tanner