Like many of you, I was stunned at the recent Democratic National Convention when the reference to God was removed from the party platform. In an attempt to restore this language to the documents that would define the party’s position on the issue of the day, “God” and “Jerusalem” were brought before the delegates for a vote. Now here’s the stunning part: the thousands of voices crying loudly NO. To be completely fair, there were those who shouted yes, but the moderator himself, a pro-Israel activist, could not get a clear majority. They passed the vote anyway to a loud “boooo” from the crowd.
Please do not misunderstand me here. I am not making a partisan comment; it is more an observation of our culture. Did you ever think you would hear people loudly and proudly deride God at a national political convention? It is also interesting to note that God and Jerusalem are nearly always linked. Those who do not want the Jews in Jerusalem do not want God in America.
These days, I confess I am not sure if I am fearful of any one candidate as much as I am of an electorate that is eager to remove God from our political debate, our public buildings, and from our society at large.
For over 200 years our nation has been tethered to the belief in Almighty God. Passages from the Old Testament or the Torah are literally copied into our Constitution. The founders believed that our faith was an essential part of the American experience and insured our continued freedom and prosperity.
Are we really ready to untether from that? Do we really believe that man, not God, has the answers for the human condition? Did we not come through a bloody century trying to create man-centered governments with different ideas about how to run things? Do we not have examples of what a godless society looks like or one that swears its allegiance to a false God?
These days, you hear a lot about American’s fiscal situation, and it is true that our elected representatives have created an egregious national debt. We are headed to a financial bankruptcy if we do not change our course. While I am concerned about that, I am more concerned about a spiritual bankruptcy.
Perhaps fiscal and social constituents can hold the line this election. Perhaps worthy social and moral issues will be raised, such as the sanctity of life and traditional marriage. But if America is to continue to be a nation of peace and prosperity, it cannot reject God.
Today, more than ever in our society, we much proclaim the truth of the Gospel to all who will hear it, and we must live out Christ in our communities. We are commanded to pray for our leaders, but in America, they are supposed to represent us. As Christians, we should elect those who affirm our values and who will vote yes for God!
Hearing the cry from the convention floor against God reminded me of Elijah who said on Mt. Carmel, “Choose this day who you will serve.” I also recall what another great leader of ancient Israel said: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Rev. Mark H. Jenkins
President of Words of Victory Ministries and Producer of The Victory Hour
Words of Victory, a Ministry of Grove Avenue Baptist Church, Fall 2012. Reprinted with permission.
