“Ye are the salt of
the earth: but if the salt have lost his
savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It
is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under
foot of men. Ye are the light of the
world. A city that is set on an hill
cannot be hid. Neither do men light a
candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light unto all that are in the
house. Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
On January 20, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump will take
the oath to be officially sworn in as the 45th President of the
United States of America. There are numerous events that occur during this time of transition, from the Vice-Presidential
Swearing in Ceremony to the Inaugural Luncheon, Parade and Ball. All of the planned ceremonies are a core part of the American tradition and usually generate tons of excitement in the country as the changing of guards occurs for the office of
the Presidency. However, the current
political climate is very volatile and the divide within America has
increased exponentially. We are living in a time where there is no balance - everything
is to the extreme; right vs. left, liberal vs. conservative and Democrat vs.
Republican. Sadly, this is especially true among many Christians who are increasingly becoming a part of this world. I would
like to briefly cover a "few" reasons for the support or non-support of Donald
Trump as President.
Supporters
Donald Trump has been hailed by many Republicans and/or Conservatives
within the Christian community as someone who is going to “upset” the current
status-quo. Donald Trump’s proclamation
to “drain the swamp” which essentially means he is going to fix the problems of
the federal government has generated a ton of support from conservatives who
abhor current government officials and the policies they have implemented. Donald Trump is applauded for his
non-traditional leadership style and his minimal experience in the government which many
believe will give him an advantage when cleaning up the many problems that have
been generated in Washington, D.C. His motto
to “Make America Great Again” has truly garnered him fame and admiration among
many Christian Conservatives. They have hope that one day prayer will be placed back in the classroom, political correctness will decrease and morality will be restored. Many are hoping under his leadership, wicked institutions such as Planned Parenthood will be closed. His bluntness against the establishment has garnered him great support.
Non-Supporters
Within the Democratic and/or Liberal Christian community, Donald
Trump is characterized as a misogynistic, rich, racist, bigoted elitist with no
experience to be the leader of the most powerful nation in the free world. Many believe that Donald Trump’s policies
will exclude a large majority of the population specifically the LGBTQ
community, women and minorities. There
have been reports where he has made derogatory statements against women and other
minority groups that have many outraged.
His non-conventional methods of communication has many wondering if he
would effectively be able to connect with other nations and remain calm in
situations of extreme duress. And lastly, there are many who are concerned
about his cabinet selections and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act
(Obamacare). All of these claims have
been presented as devastating and a hindrance to the “progression” of the country.
This election has been
one of massive chaos from the initial protests of his victory by those
who voted for the Democratic Candidate, Hillary Clinton to the scandals
concerning Russia hacking the election and the media’s constant coverage and
pandering to the emotions of the American people. So, where is the church in all of this chaos
and confusion?
As stated above, many Christians have sided with either a
conservative or liberal approach and have honestly allowed their emotions, love
of self and love of country to persuade their actions. I, of course have a
problem with the term “liberal or conservative” being used as a descriptive or
labeling of a Christian because neither represents biblical truths, biblical values
or biblical standards in its totality. When Christian's side with secularist ideals and groups then a one-sided
perspective of a “righteous” government is perpetuated. Those who reject the
labeling and categorizations of conservative vs. liberal understand that
government is to be ruled with specific standards that adhere to the principles
of the Most High, Yehovah God. Even though God has
been rejected in this land and lawlessness is increasing, the church has a
responsibility to speak truth in this hour and not compromise His word.
Redeeming the Time!
It is important as our dear brother Paul wrote to the church
of Ephesus that we should be redeeming the time for the days are truly
evil (Ephesians 5:16). We are to make the best of the
time by sharing the gospel, abhorring evil, promoting righteousness and living
holy even when it is not popular and the world is on a witch hunt to destroy
the sanctity of marriage, remove God from all aspects of life and continues to
make a mockery of our faith. It appears
a brother in Christ; Travis Greene has chosen such a path.
Travis Greene is a gospel artist who is fairly new in the
industry. He professes his faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ and uses his talent to give God glory. I recognize that Travis is still a part of
the “industry” but he seems to continue to go against the
grain and the behavior of most gospel artist.
You may read more about Travis Greene here.
To commemorate the Presidential ceremony many artists
(mostly secular) are invited to inaugural events as part of the
entertainment. It is not uncommon to
have faith-based artists participate in the celebrations as well. Recently, Travis Greene was extended an invitation
to an inaugural ceremony and unlike other gospel and/or Christian artists, Travis accepted
the invitation.
Travis recently conducted an interview (source) explaining his decision to attend the event, which is summed up by prayer,
conviction and calling. He has conveyed
very clearly that He has been called by God and He has to please the Father and
not men. I am not here to applaud
Travis, the man but I am here to acknowledge Travis, the servant of the Most
High. A servant may wrestle with their
calling but at the end of the day, the answer is and must always be “Yes Lord.” Travis has declared his faith over his
ethnicity and the cries coming from the community to sit this one out.
For those who disagree with Travis' decision, be mindful that he is not the first man to go before a wicked king and
government. For example, we can look at Daniel who went before King Nebuchadnezzar,
King of Babylon. Secular and biblical
accounts label Nebuchadnezzar as one of the most brutal, vicious and ruthless
kings in history. Even still, the Father
used Nebuchadnezzar in one of the most miraculous ways (aside from conquering
Judah and destroying the temple). Scripture reveals that Daniel interpreted a
dream that Nebuchadnezzar was given which we now understand to be prophetic and
detailed the rising of kingdoms after the Babylonian Kingdom (Daniel 2). Now, if Daniel refused to assist the King
when called to interpret his dream, we would not have an understanding of end
time events including the words spoken by Christ concerning the abomination of
desolation. Ultimately, God judged Nebuchadnezzar for the pride that was in his heart (Daniel 4:31-33). This is one
of many instances where righteous men have gone before ruthless and evil kings and
governments; but, not of their own accord, not for their own agendas but to do
the will of the Father.
I do not know the purpose of Travis Greene’s participation in
the ceremonies nor will I speculate as that is truly between Him and our
Heavenly Father, but I will be in prayer for Travis that he will remain humble
to the calling that is upon his life and will continue to submit to the will of
the Father. I pray that The Lord will use Travis in whatever capacity He deems
fit so that He will get the glory in the midst of so much confusion, chaos and
wickedness in America. Christ
declared those who have been chosen are the salt of the earth; we are here to
do His will, share the gospel and be light in dark places.
We have to ask ourselves some hard but practical
questions. How can we declare truth if we choose not to speak to liars? How can we
declare there is only one Holy and Sovereign God if we decline invitations to
be around people who do not believe there is a God? How can we share the message of repentance
and how the Father loves us so much that he sent His son to reconcile us back
to Him if we reject those who seem bitter and intolerant of our beliefs? How can
we share the gift of eternal life if we refuse to go out in this wicked world
among those who may be detestable in our eyes?
Did Christ come for those who are well or for those who are sick? In other words, do those who are living in
sin miss
out on the wonderful gift of salvation because we are “in our feelings” similar to Jonah when he attempted to avoid warning Nineveh of impending judgment? Who are we that we should pick and choose who
God saves? If any man or woman professes
to have the love of Christ within him or her then they will gladly share their faith especially in this hour. Love warns the
people that our God is longsuffering but He is not slack concerning His promise
to judge the world. At this very moment in time, we need to preach Christ and Him crucified
until His return. By Travis Greene’s own account, he is redeeming the time by
going to be light to people who are wrapped up in the darkness of this world and my question is…are you redeeming the time?
For those who have an ear to hear; hear what the
spirit is saying to the Church. We have
to continue to share the good news and speak truth even though it is not
popular. To do this, we have to pull away from worldly affiliations and represent the Kingdom of God which is not a liberal or a conservative Kingdom. Our job is to help others understand the duty of a righteous government and share how to remove wickedness from the land. For example, we have to tell the government to remove all of the idols erected in the land starting with Washington, D.C. We have to tell the government to
protect the babies in the womb; but, don’t neglect the man on the street
either. We have to tell the government not
to burden the people with debt and not to promote greed. We have to tell the government that sexually
explicit shows should not be on television and pornography and gambling should
be illegal with the same punishment for those who commit robbery and murder.
We have to tell the government that marriage is instituted by God and is
between one man and one woman. These are a few examples of how we are to be the light in this dark world, specifically the light in America.
Even if the entire country is chanting the song to “coexist”
and be inclusive, we have to share the truth.
God does exclude children of disobedience, those who are wicked and
practice abominations in the land from receiving His gift of eternal life. It is
unfortunate that many in the church interject opinions and feelings when
discussing many moral and civil matters instead of trusting and standing on the word of God that has
been established and is the final authority on all matters. Our emotions,
opinions and the cries of this evil world for justice and peace will not change
what has already been written. Let us
run the race that is beset before us while there is still time. Love will not allow us to be “unbalanced” and
side with a political party or worldly concepts but will guide us to stand on
truth.
Although it appears the church is divided, I will contend that
it is not as it is clear The Lord has a remnant of believers who are adhering
to their calling. The church understands
that the priority in this hour is the message of repentance and to warn the
people. The church recognizes that
marching, holding hands, changing policies and laws will not remove the evil that is in the heart of
men and women. This can only be done
through planting the seeds of faith and the gospel. Again, let us keep Travis Greene and many
others in prayer as they continue to do the Father’s will.
Christ gives a very stern warning to those
who choose not to be obedient and it is a sobering reminder that no one is
truly saved except the person who endures to the very end. "Every branch in Me that does not bear
fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that
it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). The
branch that is taken away will be thrown in the fire. Saints of God, count the cost and take your salvation
seriously. A day of reckoning is upon us
and if you will not be obedient in this hour, The Lord has no use for you in
His Kingdom. We all have a purpose in the Kingdom and we should all be redeeming the time.
May you be blessed with peace and understanding during this
hour and more importantly I pray that you will be strong so that you can endure
the hardship and trials that are ahead. Stay encouraged and remain confident in your faith!
