God & Country (Part 2)

 In the last post, I ended by stating that we have certain clear responsibilities as citizens.  I want to elaborate further on those responsibilities:

 

1) We have a biblical mandate to support and pray for our leaders.

Paul is very emphatic in I Timothy 2:1-2 that we are to pray for our government leaders. Keep in mind that Paul's government at the time was very anti-Christian and eventually would execute him.  President-elect Obama deserves our respect and needs our prayers.  Additionally, the election of an African-American to the presidency is something that needs to be celebrated for its historical significance as our nation seeks to move past a history scarred with racism and inequality.

 

2) Religous and Christian values need to be properly promoted.

The Bible tells us to be ready to tell anyone for the hope that we have but to share this hope with gentleness and respect.  Unfortunately, many time Christians can come across as defensive, judgemental, and critical.  We must remember that while what we say matters, how we say it is essential to being understood. This is essential to us being "salt and light" and a "shining city set on a hill"  because the Judeo-Christian world view is a needed voice in today's public discourse.  The sharing of this world view cannot be limited to what we are against but must include what we are for ... recognizing that what we are for offers hope and real solutions to today's problems.