Separation of Church and State?

Today's sermon was from a series Pastor Brad is doing based on questions from the congregation. The question for today was, "How do I reconcile my faith with my need to be a patriot/citizen of a government?" Seriously great question...one I have had for myself for a while. Can I be obedient to my God and obedient to civil authorities without compromising myself? I have always had disdain for governments, finding them to be the "enemy", justifying my hatred of politics because I thought being obedient to government laws, taxes, and politics made me unholy. Pastor Brad has me thinking otherwise

1. In Romans 13 (1-4), we are asked to be good citizens because governments are part of God's design to help preserve order and keep the effects of evil from the majority of humans. We need good governments to create a good environments.
2. Governmental structures can't create righteousness, but they can help reflect and uphold it. Basically good laws can't make anyone good.
3. Christians are citizens of God's kingdom first, but that kingdom isn't of this earth. While we are on earth we need to consider ourselves ambassadors. Ambassadors are supposed to be the best representatives of their home countries, while living in a different host country. We need to be true to our home customs and beliefs, while living within the laws of a foreign government.

As good as these points are, it still didn't tell me whether to vote Republican or Democrat. It seems like both sides try to play to the faithful. How can it be that 80% of white evangelical voters are Republican, but 80% of black evangelical voters are Democrats? They each pick different issues to drive their faithful into a frenzy...for the conservatives, they push Pro-Life and the rights of the unborn. The Dems like to enflame passions around economic rights and equality. Which is more scripturally correct? Both are. But which is more important for the majority of the people? That should be our method for evaluating issues. Using the entire scripture and not just snippets to justify our argument.

So isn't it important to make sure God is on our side? Whether it is about the Iraq War, or abortion, we believe we need to have God on our side to be right. Winston Churchill said it best when asked that question...his answer? It is more important to be on God's side.

Here is another test...which side is best in representing humility and respect? Wow, tough question...at this point, neither side seems to be putting Titus 3:1-2 to heart. Paul (while imprisoned by the Romans) writes to Titus to "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peacable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

So ignore all the noise from talk radio and cable news network talking heads. They have already decided what they want to believe...no amount of arguing will change their minds. They make money by catering to people who already believe the same way. All sides have their media outlets so don't get too worked up by the noise you hear and see. Do what is right, honorable, and what you believe is what God intended in every situation. Too often that will be a toss-up, but don't use your best judgement, use the tools provided to you...scripture, your brothers and sisters, and your Christian leaders. And of course...prayer.

God wants to make sure we have a safe haven of order so that we can be what he wants us to be...children of His. So exercise your voice and vote.

Chow!