While the standard of morality within the United States continues to drift, Christians are left facing a different spiritual landscape. With the changing of the majority’s beliefs, we must adapt to ensure biblical faithfulness in rebellious times.
The State of the Union
- The Moral Majority was founded in 1979 as a way to represent political activism from a religious viewpoint.
- As a legitimate political force, it strongly encouraged conservative values in civic arenas.
- With losses among key battleground issues, the group dissolved officially, but the mindset remains.
- Beliefs that were not even accepted a few terms ago among liberal politicians are now brazenly celebrated as the new standard.
- If we are losing the moral majority position, we cannot forfeit the prophetic minority position.
The Troubler of the People
1 Kings 18
- King Solomon’s tolerance of pagan religions among God’s people opened the door for widespread relativism.
- Elijah wasn’t persecuted because he followed the LORD; he was persecuted because he told others they should too.
- Prideful politicians will blame biblical believers for causing tension among the people.
- Sin leads to chaos; obedience leads to peace.
- It is always a good thing to stir up trouble when the status quo is disobedience.
- People don’t have a problem with your way until you begin to talk as if it is the way.
- Desire to win a soul more than an argument.
The Balance of the Prophets
- Even if the country moves further away from biblical mandates does not give Christians a free pass to compromise.
- Disciples of Jesus must commit to God’s way regardless of what is popular.
- We should not expect American citizens to ascribe to biblical values.
- “We can engage in politics because we aren’t controlled by naive optimism or overwhelming despair.” -Bruce Ashford
- “Politics should never influence your religion, but if your religion doesn’t alter your politics, you’ve got a weak example.” -Bruce Ashford
- Celebrate when noble policies pass, but commit to biblical mandates even when they don’t.
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Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.