Living Unafraid

I think it’s interesting that Romans 13:1-8 touches on living in fear. It runs rampant in our nation as factions fight for moral control of our nation, all sides using fear and smear to gain power and political ground. Some are righteous, others are not. Some fight for righteousness, others do not.

Paul asks, “Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same” (Romans 13:3). I don’t know about you, but I want to live unafraid. Unafraid of the consequences of rulers who don’t love and honor God. Unafraid of the legislation they pass. Unafraid of abusive executive orders, socialist policies, higher taxes, escalating debt, national security (or lack thereof), decreasing personal liberty, increasing government encroachment. This scripture gives us practical instruction for what to do to live unafraid: Be subject – submit in the attitude of our hearts (verse one; see “Who Really Rules?”) – and do what is good! Titus 3:1-2 expounds, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”

Because America is a republic founded on the idea that government should be “of the people, by the people, for the people” (Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address), it functions according to the voluntary participation of the people who run for office, help those running for office, vote, contact elected officials regarding certain legislation and issues, and otherwise engage in the political process. Even though, as believers, we are not of this world, we are in it, and we have the opportunity to do “what is good” by getting involved in any and all areas of our government as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) doing all things in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17), all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).

The phrase “what is good” in the Greek means “of good constitution or nature, useful, salutary, good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright, beneficial” (Strong’s G18, agathos, www.blueletterbible.com). In everything having to do with governing authorities, we are to have a good constitution, a good nature. We are to be useful and pleasant, joyful and happy. With excellence, living a distinguished, upright life. And do that which is beneficial.

I think of beneficial and I think of I Corinthians 6:12, “‘Everything is permissible for me’ – but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything” (NIV). I Corinthians 10:23 says essentially the same thing, but adds, “‘Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is constructive” (NIV). While the context of these verses specifically deals with eating meat, they can be applied in general to all that is lawful. In all things, we should not only consider what is lawful; we should consider what is beneficial. This truth is relevant for any area of our lives, including politics.

In both scriptures, beneficial is from the Greek word sympherō (Strong’s G4851, www.blueletterbible.com), meaning “to bear or bring together; to bear together or at the same time; to carry with others; to collect or contribute in order to help; to help, be profitable, be expedient.” Its root infers the carrying of a burden, bearing up and upholding, enduring, and bringing forward with one’s conduct (Strong’s G5342, pherō, www.blueletterbible.com). Constructive is from the Greek word oikodomeō (Strong’s G3618, www.blueletterbible.com), which means “to build (up from the foundation); to restore by building, to rebuild, repair; to promote growth in Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue, holiness, blessedness.” In other words, Paul is saying, whatever we do, together, our conduct should collectively help bear, uphold, and endure the  burden of building, restoring, repairing, or promoting Christian wisdom and living for the profit of others. This would include politics. He continues in 1 Corinthians 10:24, “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” Or, as he says in Romans 13:8, “Owe no one anything except to love one another.”

What, then, is beneficial when it comes to politics? How do we love one another, which is, in effect, seeking the good of our neighbor? First John 3:16 tells us: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” We are to lay off or set aside our feelings, desires, affections, and aversions – our very heart and soul – for others in whatever way God desires. For some of us, like Troy Bonin (www.troybonin.org), that means running for public office. He is laying down his life, his evenings, his weekends, his free time, his finances. When he is in office, he will lay down his lifestyle and dental practice and family life as he knows it now to serve. I’m not saying this verse is a mandate to believers to run for office. But getting involved in politics is one way God may ask us to love others.

Proverbs 29:2 tells us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” Likewise, Proverbs 28:12 says, “When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.” This nation is governed by those who are elected and the laws they pass. If godly men serve, the people rejoice. Ultimately, God determines who holds office according to His sovereignty. In order to be elected, however, one must first run for office. Godly men must run and godly men must get involved in the process of electing and governing. Godly people must help their campaigns. Godly people must vote. Godly people must voice their beliefs to their elected officials. If not, we will find ourselves groaning in hiding, which is already starting for the very reason that the righteous aren’t ruling and God’s people aren’t doing good.

Jesus said of the men God gave Him out of this world, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:16-18, emphasis mine). Jesus did not want the Father to remove us from the world, even though we, like Him, are not of it. He sent us into the world, a Greek word whose meaning encompasses the earth itself, the human family, the ungodly multitude, worldly affairs, and government (Strong’s G2889, kosmos, www.blueletterbible.com). While our loyalty is to the kingdom of heaven, we are alien residents in the countries where we reside, and as such, we must do good by loving others in whatever role God places us, including citizen. All of us have a part in politics.

We have been given truth, and we are to preach the gospel in all areas of our lives, including politics. We must be the ones to speak truth. And to get behind those who will. Those, like Troy Bonin, who will hold to biblical truth and principals in the context of serving in government. In the context of expecting others to do the same for the good of the people. Loving neighbors. Being salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14). Taking that light to the Hill, whether in Washington, D.C., or at a state or local level. Putting it on a lamp stand and letting it “so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (verse 16).

It is not my or any other person’s place to dictate or judge your choices or establish some form of legalism with regards to Christians and polities. My personal conviction is that it’s better for Christians to be involved than not. As Edmund Burke so famously said, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” So, I try to do my part. I vote. I contact my representatives and senators at the state and federal level. I read about events and issues, sign petitions, make donations, forward emails, help educate. I am compelled to do something even as it seems to make no difference at all. Even as I sit baffled by the rapid moral decline everywhere I look no matter what I or others do to fight against it.

My prayer is that together, whatever we do, our humble, gentle, peaceable conduct will collectively help bear, uphold, and endure the  burden of building, restoring, repairing, and promoting Christian wisdom and living for the profit of others, doing so with a good constitution and good nature, speaking evil of no one, being obedient, useful, and pleasant, joyful and happy, doing it with excellence, and living a distinguished, upright life.

“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23). Do it wholly His.

Shauna Wallace

Holy His

The Counterfeit Savior

Satan is a great mimicker, offering counterfeits to distract us from the real deal in Christ Jesus. Instead of peace beyond understanding, Satan offers a temporary reprieve from fear, stress, suffering, depression, insecurity, doldrums, and plain old boredom in the form of alcohol, drugs, sex, entertainment, electronics, video games, shopping, eating, and the like. In place of the safety and security of an unbroken family, the devil dangles adultery, pornography, popularity, gangs, wrong relationships, sexual immorality, and rebellious adventures. Instead of the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, Satan offers vanity, anorexia, bulimia, and attention-demanding fashions. His imitation of God’s church and His people taking care of those in need comes in the form of government entitlements and social services. The great deceiver holds up political parties, particular candidates, bailouts, handouts, and new legislation as the answer to every person’s every concern, and even God’s people are getting hoodwinked.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Period. No counterfeit. No substitute. We must turn to Him and turn to His truth in order to experience life as He desires it. His truth in all things, including community and government. Through specific directives and more broadly applied principles, God’s word guides us in all things. We’ve looked at the black and white with regards to governing authorities, and Thursday, we’ll touch on the gray – the activities of American politics that God’s word doesn’t directly address. Actually, that blog was all wrapped up and in cue for today when God reordered things a bit. Groundwork needs to be laid. Distinctions established. Conditions. In order to say anything about the potential implications of scripture for getting involved in politics, there’s a foundation of truth that must be laid first.

True Social Reform Only Comes by Spiritual Reform

Regardless of who rules America, only God can save. A godly ruler won’t save our country. A godly ruler won’t save one immoral, lost soul. Only God will. No form of legislation, no matter how honorable, will change or rule hearts. Only the Holy Spirit will. As God’s children, our job is not to change this nation through political reform but through spiritual reform. The goal is not to muster enough collective political clout to gain the upper hand in government. The goal is souls. Genuinely saved, not cleverly deceived. Keeping that goal in mind and remaining undeterred is our number one priority. Everything, including political activities, should be evaluated in light of its soul value. Spiritual reform is the only thing that will save this nation, and social reform is neither its precursor nor its conduit.

Church, Do Your Job!

James 1:27 issues a clear mandate to God’s church: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” This is God’s directive for social services, given to the church, not the government. Where the church has failed, government has gladly stepped in, as I explain in this excerpt from my upcoming book, Holy His: Hope for a Life and a Nation Wholly His:

We’ve been told the lie of separation of church and state for so long that we now believe it’s a constitutional statute. It is a falsehood. The constitution and the very foundation of our country are based on Biblical values and truth. The men who fought for and led our country to independence were in large majority men of God. There was no separation of church and state. The church was the backbone of this country, and I believe the failure of our nation is the direct result of the failure of the church. As the morals of our country decline, the standards in the church decline as well. We think if we stay a few notches above the world in how we live our lives, we’re doing well. So as the world declines, the church declines with it. As long as it stays just a tad bit above the world, the church is satisfied. But that’s not God’s standard, nor is it His design.

As the world has become more and more selfish, concerned only with its own desires and own agendas, and as the world has assumed an attitude of entitlement, stinginess, and greed, the people in our churches have done exactly the same thing. For the most part, our churches no longer look any different than the world. The nation has turned to the government to be its savior because the church isn’t there to model a true Savior. That’s why true repentance and a complete return to God’s ways are critical to our nation. The government will no longer be the only answer to a lost and dying world when: 1) God’s people start living like the holy nation of priests and saints we are, and 2) the body of Christ operates by the principles God defined for His church.

We are to be serving one another, laying down our lives for our brethren, to the point where there’s not a need among us. If that were the case, I suspect more people would want what the church has to offer, not being drawn to something for nothing, but instead to the Source of our every need.

Govern Thyself First

Notice the second part of James 1:27 says, “to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” Continuing the above excerpt:

Our witness and testimony define Jesus to our world. What kind of example are we? Are we obedient so that His blessings show in our lives and we set an attractive example of the peace, protection, and provision available to those who love and obey the Lord? Are we full of mercy, grace, and forgiveness so people experience the unconditional love and forgiveness available through Jesus Christ? Are our children and families full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22), or do we look just like every other family that is hurting, struggling, and dying a slow death? Are our businesses and jobs prospering because we’re tithing, giving, and operating with integrity and generosity, or are we doing the bare minimum and even less than that? Are we doing all things as if unto the Lord? Or do we share the world’s entitlement mentality and expect something for nothing? Are we faithful with little so we can be given much (Luke 19:17)? Or are we bitter, jealous, greedy, and resentful because we don’t have what the next guy has? Do we believe God’s word or do we subject ourselves continually to the world’s reports? Are we walking in God’s grace and peace because we believe His word and promises, or are we fearing the temporal and what the eye can see?

It is our witness and the way we live or don’t live according to God’s principles, and therefore under His blessings, that will affect our voice and the recovery of our nation. The world can detect a fraud fifty miles away. If we are saying one thing and living another, the world won’t take us seriously. If we talk about the power, goodness, and blessings of God and don’t live in such a way that He can demonstrate Himself in and through us, the world will see us as what we’ve become: hypocrites.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Lord, thank You that You credit us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ when we are saved by grace through faith. May His righteousness in us exalt this nation as we become more wholly Yours.

Shauna Wallace

Holy His

Who Really Rules?

I always do better with absolutes (see “When God Doesn’t Fit the Checklist”). Just tell me the do’s and don’ts. I’m a great rule follower! (Well, most rules, anyways.) I find gray areas stressful. Perhaps it’s because they require living, walking, and being led by the Spirit. Absent definitive direction, these areas leave things to our discretion. Does anyone find knowing what to do as difficult as I do? It’s much easier to deal with things when they fall within clearly established guidelines. But that doesn’t require much faith or grace, does it? Faith that God is ordering our steps. Grace to have the faith He’s ordering another’s steps, too. Or maybe it requires too much work. Digging into and studying God’s word to discover His truth for all things, black, white, or gray. Instead, I cling to absolutes, for myself, my children, and ultimately, as a standard by which I determine whether or not you’re doing what you’re supposed to do. Ironically, that’s not what I’m supposed to do at all! That is a definite absolute.

As government grows like the fib from Veggie Tales’ “Larry Boy! And the Fib from Outer Space,” it seems more and more impossible to re-contain within the boundaries set forth in the U.S. Constitution. As government attempts to undermine clearly scriptural absolutes, do we jump in the battles to legislate morality? Do we invest our time, energy, talent, and resources in electing and unseating governing authorities, passing and defeating laws? While one believer may insist on front-line warfare, another may insist we not engage at all, leaving us where we left off Monday in “Yield or Wield: Believers and Politics?” What does God’s word say? Is one right and the other wrong? Is the answer up to us?

The black and white of Romans 13:1-8 establishes a number of non-negotiable truths that can help us sort out the gray. Timeless points of certainty exempt from argument and controversy. Verses one, two, the first half of three, and four deal with our mindset. The attitudes with which we approach authority based on who God is, His power and authority, and the system He set up. The last half of verse three and verses five through eight establish specific directives. The do’s. If we don’t believe, accept, and submit ourselves to conceptual truth of the first set of verses, it will be essentially impossible to do that which is asked of us in the second set. Let’s start with the first. 

“There is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (verse one).

Every authority is from the Lord. Not just the office of authority, but the very person who occupies it. No exceptions. If a person is in authority over us, it is because God put them there, whether we agree with their personal, moral, and political convictions or not. Whether we think what they are doing is right or not. Whether what they believe, say, or do lines up with the word of God or not. Whether they are Democrat, Republican, Tea Party, or Independent. There is no authority except from God. When Jesus wouldn’t answer Pilate regarding the charges brought against Him, Pilate challenged him in John 19:10, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?" Jesus answered in verse eleven, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above." Not one person has power over us that is not given them from above. Of God’s absolute power and authority, Daniel 2:21 says, “He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Not one of us has anything besides what is given us by Him, including power and authority. “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (Daniel 4:25).

“Let every soul be subject...” (verse one).

My fingers lie still on the keyboard as I absorb the magnitude of these five words. It is the life of following Christ. A life wholly His. Why the word soul? The implications sink deep. The soul, according to Strong’s G5590, is from the Greek word psychē (www.blueletterbible.com) and refers to the “breath of life; living being; seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.); the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death.” Be subject in the Greek is to willingly assume our place in God’s order under and obedient to those He appoints over us.

We can justify defiance any way we want, but nothing changes the word of God. Nothing changes God’s ultimate power and authority over all things. No matter how great the offense, how tragic the infraction, how unfair the mandate, how immoral the ruler. We are under that which is ordained by God. Every living, breathing human being is to put themselves in His order, to remain in our assigned place. Not only are we to submit to authority with the actions of our flesh, but with the attitudes of our heart, mind, and will.

If we are saved by grace through faith, the Lord holds the ultimate place of authority in our lives. When we place our faith in Jesus, what the Father says goes. If someone is in authority over us, it’s because God put them there. If He says we are to submit to the authorities He establishes, by golly, that’s what we need to do. If we believe He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, we will be able to do this, even when the individuals holding offices of authority stand in direct opposition to the One who ultimately put them there. We’ll be able to be subject as a matter of the heart, mind, and will because our faith, trust, and well-being aren’t dependent on who’s in authority and what laws they’re enacting. As His children, we can know He will take care of us, no matter what. No matter who is the president or what threatens our nation. Nothing slips under His radar or catches Him off guard. He is in control, so we don’t have to be. Secure in the assurance of His promises to us, we can continue in His joy and peace even in the midst of cultural, moral, political, financial, and national chaos. We can be subject to governing authorities because God is our Governing Authority.

“Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (verse two).

When we resist our governing authorities, we bring judgment on ourselves because we are actually resisting God. There is but one exception, and that is when the word of authority opposes the word of God. If a mandate requires that we directly disobey God, we are to obey God. Peter makes this clear in Acts 5:29 when he tells the high priest who forbade him and the apostles to preach in Jesus’ name: "We ought to obey God rather than men.” The Bible is a higher authority than any civil government. But if the law of the land does not directly oppose the Bible, we are to obey civil and governing authorities, whether we agree with their mandates or not. Mandate being the key word, here, which I’ll touch on more later.

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil...For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (first part of three and verse four).

I find this one a little challenging, as many of our rulers do not appear to be God’s ministers to us for good. They do not appear to be executing wrath on those who practice evil. Quite the opposite, in fact. Yet, God’s word is infallible, which takes us back to verse one. Do we believe in God as our ultimate authority? Do we trust God as our ultimate authority? Do we believe all authority is from Him? Either we believe or we don’t. Either He is God or He is not. If we do believe, then we must believe ALL those He puts in positions of authority are His ministers for our good. Because He says they are. Not easy to grasp in our limited understanding, but necessary.

Lord, help us accept Your word in its entirety, even the hard verses, in order to be more wholly Yours today. Thank you for the black-and-white truth You set forth. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, I ask You in Jesus’ name to please enable us to stand firm on these absolutes so we can more effectively navigate the gray.

Shauna Wallace

Holy His

Yield or Wield: Believers and Politics?

A friend once shared she was no longer interested in her own opinion. Her comment stuck like a dart in my heart. She said she only wanted God’s opinion on things. His word. It doesn’t matter what she thinks, only what He thinks. It struck me as odd at first. Conjured up accusations of mindless Christians who can’t think for themselves. And yet, the truth of her conviction resonated within me. Essentially, she was saying, “I am only interested in lining my mind up with the word of God.” It brings to mind 2 Corinthians 10:5, which says we should be “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” In an unrelated conversation, another friend expressed her deep appreciation for her pastor who exclusively preaches God’s beliefs, not his own. He doesn’t use the phrase, “I believe.” It doesn’t matter what he believes. It matters what God says. He’s the ultimate authority on all things.

Even politics.

Troy Bonin is a close friend of our family. He is husband to Terri, one of the most amazing women I know. The one who held my feet to the fire to finish my book. Our lives intersect numerous ways that have knit us together in friendship. He is running for state representative for District 3 in Texas (www.troybonin.org). A huge undertaking for a normal “Joe citizen” without a campaign war chest or politician’s resume. As with everything they do, his campaign is a family affair. For all twelve of them. Yes, twelve. Troy, Terri, and their ten kids. I call this season of their lives “Ten Kids and Campaigning.” Sadly, they’ve run into a force field of apathy. People who just don’t care anymore. People too wrapped up in their own busyness of life to take time for the greater good. Public life. Who serves or represents. What that will mean further than the tip of their noses.    

Personally, I have to be careful how much time I spend following world events, political and cultural issues. I can get consumed with fear and overwhelmed with trying to make a difference to the point of being frazzled or paralyzed, making myself rather useless to God. I get passionate quickly and have to keep myself in balance. Guard against seeking social change over spiritual change. This desperation and subsequent obsession birthed my book, Holy His: Hope for a Life and a Nation Wholly His. In response to the outcome of the 2008 presidential election, I threw myself into a tizzy of activity that left me in a tailspin. God spoke clearly to me at that time: Our battle is not a political one aimed at electing the right people or passing the right legislation. It’s a battle for souls, and that has to be our first priority. Always. To be holy His by becoming wholly His. To be a vessel through which God shines His light and attracts others to Jesus. Truly, that is the only “agenda” that will save our nation. At the same time, we live in a nation whose government is set up to be dependent on citizen involvement through elections – either running, voting, or both. As believers who are in this world but not of it, what is our role?

When my friend asked me to consider writing a blog on political apathy among believers, I resisted. I feel strongly that this blog is not a political platform. It’s not a place for me to promote my opinions on political matters or advance any particular social agenda. It’s a place to share the application of God’s word to daily life. Yet, government is a part of our daily lives, especially as it encroaches further into every aspect of our freedom, family, and finances. I considered how I might honor her request, do my part to help their campaign, while preserving the integrity of this platform. And I came face-to-face with my ignorance of what God’s word says about government and politics. If I am going to write on the topic, I am only going to write what God says about it. What should our involvement be according to Him? I confess, beyond the scriptures that clearly establish authority as from God and our submission to it as non-negotiable, I had little idea what the Bible says about our involvement in politics.

So I’ve been doing a little research. Because I want to give you God’s word, not Shauna’s opinions and/or beliefs. I’m finding that the role of believers in government is a rather heated topic. And guess what? He is very clear on authority and the role of government, as He established it, but He doesn’t say anything specifically about our role in government or the political process. I haven’t found one scriptural directive about voting, running for office, or getting involved in social and cultural organizations, agendas, or issues. What do we do, then, when God’s word appears silent? When there’s no clear directive one way or the other?

Let’s start with what we know God does say about the subject.

Hands down, Romans 13:1-8 is the most commonly referenced passage on governing authorities, establishing clear responsibilities for those in and under authority. Paul says:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.

For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing.

Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

It’s implications exceed a single blog. A broad brush stroke to guide us in the details as we become more wholly His in all things, including politics and government.

More Thursday.

Shauna Wallace

Holy His