1 Timothy 6
On June 28, 2006, then U.S. Senator,
Barack Obama addressed the Call to Renewal Conference, sponsored by a Christian
social justice organization. In the speech
he made a comment that much has been made of since. He said, “Whatever we once were, we are no
longer a Christian nation – at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, a
Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of
nonbelievers.” (It should be noted that his
manuscript
said, “… we are no longer just a Christian nation…,” which has a different ring
to it.)
People were offended by this
comment. During his first presidential
campaign this quote was thrown out as “proof” that Candidate Obama was anti-Christian. Others saw this as a dark omen portending a further
erosion of America’s Judeo-Christian heritage.
And yet others rejoiced as the statement recognized the religious
diversity of U.S. America.
It should be clear: America is a religiously pluralistic
society. While Christian ethics have
dominated the political and cultural scene for most of America’s history, that
influence is waning; not gone, but diminished.
How should Christians respond to
this? If the church is no longer the
dominant power shaping the opinions and forming the moral fiber of our country,
where do we fit in the world?
We fit in a similar place as Paul and Timothy
did. We are people who have the message
of salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life surrounded by folks who don’t
know, don’t care, and don’t recognize our God.
We are called to live as redeemed people in, but not of, the world. As Paul says, “But as for you, O man of
God, flee these [earthly] things. Pursue righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take
hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the
good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Our mission is not to make God king of
America. He is King of all recognized or
not. Our mission is to declare that God
loves sinners and graciously redeems us through the death and resurrection of
His Son.
Father, Help us be confident in your grace
no matter what happens in the world, and let our lives and words draw people to
Jesus. Amen.
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