Why Fight?

There are some who can ‘agree to disagree’ and go on remaining amicable. On some issues in life, it is the best course of action. Sometimes there is no definitive right and wrong answer or solution, just different. ‘There is more than one way to skin a cat.’ (Though I never understood why one would ever do this.)

In politics, however, to agree to disagree would be a waste of everyone’s time…and taxpayer dollars. We pay our elected officials to find solutions. When issues are brought before Congress there can only be three possible outcomes. The majority of members can agree or they can work together to find a reasonable compromise. But when neither is possible, congress finds itself in gridlock. Whether the gridlock consists of members agreeing to disagree, or if it consists of battle lines and verbal ‘knock down drag outs’ – it still results in gridlock. Is it ever acceptable to be labeled a ‘do-nothing Congress?’

What is worth taking a stand and fighting for – even when gridlock is the result? Erosion of our freedoms? Fiscal responsibility? … Life? Should Christians even concern themselves with worldly politics when we know that Romans 8:28 tells us: ‘And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.’?(NLT)

Of course we should!

God, indeed, is in control of everything. He may choose to allow our country to be led by those who are irresponsible with the resources He has provided. He may allow individuals to lead us in a direction contrary to His Holy Word. As He did with the Israelites, God may use leaders to ‘send us into exile’ in order to bring us to repentance. Oh, how we must try His patience.

Jeremiah 19:3-4 (NLT) 3 Say to them, ‘Listen to this message from the Lord, you kings of Judah and citizens of Jerusalem! This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will bring a terrible disaster on this place, and the ears of those who hear about it will ring! 4 “‘For Israel has forsaken me and turned this valley into a place of wickedness. The people burn incense to foreign gods—idols never before acknowledged by this generation, by their ancestors, or by the kings of Judah. And they have filled this place with the blood of innocent children.

As followers of Christ, we cannot sit idly by and simply rest in our own salvation. We must stand up for what we believe – for God’s Truth. Otherwise, how can anyone know what we believe? We need to pray for God to call men and women to be servants on the front line in these fights. Not all will be given that responsibility. We are all called, however, to be boots on the ground in God’s army for salvation.

The culture wars are fought in Washington, your own state capital, and in local government. He will not call everyone to be a leader in these wars. As His troops sent to fight the spiritual battles, our mission is to win the hearts for Jesus. Saved souls will seek godly wisdom when voting.

Then we leave the outcome to God.