I believe there are times when the leadership and direction of Bible-believing pastors is desperately needed in our flocks and for our country. And I believe we are in the midst of such a time.
While we are commanded to respect and pray for our elected officials (1 Timothy 2:1–2), we also are exhorted to be salt and light in our time (Matthew 5:13–16).
Recently, President Barack Obama made the statement, “I’ve just concluded that, for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”
Jesus quoted Genesis 2:24 when He said, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:7–9).
I believe we have a very clear choice in this moment: Will we be silent while our country advocates a philosophy that undermines the very foundation of our society? Or will we speak the truth lovingly and courageously to this generation?
Some would have us to believe this is a civil rights issue. We understand the Declaration of Independence when it says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” We also understand the founders in that same document relied on the guidance of “Providence,” and no doubt they relied on the Book of Providence.
The same God who gives the right to pursue happiness has also given laws which, when ignored, bring consequences to society.
As a pastor, my world view comes from Scripture. My position on these matters is not an “evolving position” because I believe the Bible is the final authority. My responsibility is not to speak so as to please my “base,” but to please my Commander in Chief. As Jude 3 challenges, we must “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
So, this article is truly not about politics. It is about the future of America. It is about whether or not this country will honor God. If you are a pastor, it just so happens that you are living in and preaching at this historic moment. I know there are many preachers in our country who deny the doctrines and moral teachings of the Bible, but I am convinced there are many—young and old, black and white—who know what the Bible says and know how to convey its truth.
This post is a plea to ask you to take some time to step back from all the busyness of your ministry and pray about how to lead Christ’s flock at this time. May we as pastors not allow a contemporary church growth philosophy or a desire for culture’s acceptance to cause us to be silent where God’s Word is so absolutely clear.
For the glory of God, for the sake of our children, and for the future of our nation, may we with the spirit of the faithful pastors in ages past stand in our day. May we remember “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
