Christians and Politics

Some would argue that as Christians, we have no place in the world of secular politics. For some, the "separation of church and state" seems to imply a two-way barrier that should never be crossed.

Unfortunately, many history books seem to support that theory. In reality, many of our nation's founding fathers were Christians whose ideas and principles were directly quoted from or credited to the Bible as they formed the shape of our government. "Separation of church and state" is actually a phrase coined only within recent history. Those three key words don't even appear in the Amendments. Originally, the intent was to protect the church from the government, not the government from the church. Our nation seems to have lost sight of some things.

It's true that often it's much easier to build a new wall where none stood before, than to rebuild among the ruins of a former one. However, Nehemiah, through God's direction, showed us how it can be done. As Christians, we must take concern for and participate in the process allowed us. Once God had placed the burden in his heart, Nehemiah spent days in prayer and fasting in preparation. The task was not easy, and it was met with opposition. As the people worked, they labored with one hand and held a weapon with the other. At one point, Nehemiah writes, "When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses." Nehemiah 4:14

I suggest that our task is to rebuild foundations, and as we labor (become informed, vote, and be vocal and active) the weapon we hold with our other hand is prayer.