Be the Salt!

“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!