Misplaced Focus

Too many Christians have focused their main efforts to bring righteousness in the United States on the political process. We think if we pass the right legislation, execute the correct policies, and adjudicate properly from the bench that we will usher in a new era of Christ-centered living in this country. We neglect the most important command we have been given by our Lord - "make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Don't misunderstand me. It is not that Christians should avoid the political process. We should exercise the privileges that we have been given to vote and to speak out on important issues. Those who are called to elective and/or appointive office should execute their duties to the glory of God. But we must not think that these things will bring about the change we seek. In 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 we read: "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Now we must be careful applying specific promises made to Israel in a general way to us, but I think the principle is applicable. Sponsoring legislation, electing good candidates, and nominating good judges can be important, but they won't bring about the kind of change described in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. We must humble ourselves, pray, repent and seek God's face. We must "make disciples" in obedience to Christ's call in Matthew 28:19 including the whole process from evangelization and training to maturity and service. We have misplaced our priorities if we think the political process will return our nation to God's favor.