The last twenty-four hours have been turbulent ones for our republic. It appears that Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff will win their Senate races, securing Democratic control of the United States Senate. Despite pressure from President Trump, Vice President Pence has refused to block certification of the Electoral College vote. And protesters stormed Capitol Hill today as Congress met to certify that vote.
Control of the levers of power in the United States routinely swings from one major party to the other, and there is always tension in the transition. But this seems different. Our cultural and political conflict seems much deeper and more irreconcilable than before.
All of this reminded me of a coat. No, not a turncoat. A black coat.
More specifically, these events reminded me of a custom-made black coat Lincoln wore to his Second Inaugural Address. And he wore the same coat to Ford’s Theatre on the fateful night of April 14, 1865. After John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln, doctors removed the blood-soaked garment so they could care for Lincoln during his final hours. That coat was custom made at Lincoln’s request, and the coat’s lining depicts an eagle clutching a banner emblazoned with these words: “One Country, One Destiny.”
I don’t know about you, but I needed to read those words today. And here’s what I think those words mean for all Americans and especially Christian citizens on January 6, 2021.
Question #1 What about voter/election fraud?
Voting systems and allegations of voter fraud should be thoroughly investigated as we move forward, but widespread proof of a “steal” has not come to light. The Trump campaign’s election-related lawsuits have been routinely dismissed (many by Trump appointees). Of course there was voter fraud (there is some level of fraud every election), but there is simply not proof of widespread voter fraud that would change the course of the election in the key states necessary for a Trump victory.
Some Christians have moved on from this issue, but I imagine many will go to their graves believing this election was stolen. Regardless, there is no current reasonable legal path to a Trump presidency, and Joe Biden will become the next President of the United States. Further, both the Perdue and Loeffler campaigns should pursue every available legal remedy to address concerns of fraud, but the vote margins in those races are at approximately 28,000 and 65,000, respectively, at the writing of this article.
My point here is fairly straightforward. Election integrity is of paramount importance, and state legislatures should move to tighten up voting processes. But the simple reality for now is that the presidential election is over, and we should prepare to address that reality.
Question #2 What happens next?
I am certainly concerned by the following legislative proposals put forward by the Biden Administration (I would say the same if these policies were proposed by the Trump administration): (1) The Equality Act, which would override the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and would enforce the dogma of the sexual revolution without religious liberty exemptions, (2) federal funding of abortion and (3) stacking of the Supreme Court (at least the Biden Administration has not disavowed this notion). These are issues to watch in the near future.
Due to the procedural rules of the U.S. Senate (unless changed; and West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has vowed not allow this to happen), such measures would generally require a 60-person vote. The Senate may use a process known as the budget reconciliation process (which only requires a simple majority) to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding of abortion. Republicans used this process in 2017 in an attempt to defund Planned Parenthood, but it is currently unclear whether this process can be used to repeal the federal ban on abortion funding. We can, of course, expect Executive Orders and agency decisions promoting the sexual revolution and a more progressive, secular vision of society.
That said, and this may be controversial, the church will no longer have to address (or at least for now; Trump may declare his candidacy for 2024) the moral quandary presented by a Trump presidency. I strongly supported many of Trump’s pro-life and pro-free speech policies, but his moral reputation, rhetoric and leadership style have complicated the church’s public witness ever since his campaign gathered steam in the lead-up to the 2016 election. Every politician has flaws, and choosing leaders will always be a complex moral exercise. But Trump presented a particularly difficult conundrum.
And, of course, we should not pursue violence or rioting as a means to secure political ends. Most Christians I know rightly condemned the violence today at the U.S. Capitol just as they condemned rioting and looting after the death of George Floyd. And I join them in that condemnation.
Question #3 What is our destiny?
The events of today raise haunting questions that have been asked before in a time of national division. Will our union endure? Can a house divided against itself stand the test of time and the clash of beliefs? Is our destiny dissolution and slow decline? Or, will the republic recover and endure?
This much is clear. We are locked in a battle of ideas–two views of freedom and two views of truth. And we do not know or completely control the outcome of that sharp conflict. But we can control our actions, emotion and outlook. So, for today, why don’t we focus on that?
It is time to move beyond handwringing and fist raising. And it is time to stop withdrawing from the public square. Both temptations are very real right now. Rather, it is time to be an engaged church and to develop and execute a strategic plan to impact an increasingly divided and plural United States for the cause of Christ.
This isn’t about taking back America back for God so we can feel comfortable in our Christian subculture. And this isn’t about coercing people into our beliefs. Rather, this is about proper stewardship of our citizenship. It is not enough to say “God is in control” unless we are also working to control and grow what God has entrusted us with.
In closing, the legacy Lincoln once wore is now worn. The phrase “One Country, One Destiny” seems like little more than a naïve slogan from a prior age. But it need not remain so. America is not too far gone to renew. God is the governor of the nations, sets up kings and removes them and is working all things according to His will (Ps. 22:28, Dan. 2:2; Eph. 1:11). With Him, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).
So, for today, let’s remember the President that left us those bloodied but beautiful words. And, tomorrow, let’s get back to work.
As a reporter ( semi retired now) I believe the bias of the press holds some major culpability. They knowingly preyed on Pres. Trumph’s
actions. They knew what they said was duplicitous, but they had an agenda. That agenda meant more to them than the welfare of the country. In his day, Pres. Lincoln was Attacked endlessly by the press. The “Power of the Press” can be damaging. They are too fickle to set social goals. They have no right to lead the country and revel in the power created by too much bogus reporting.
We need to reacquaint ourselves
With the values written in the Bible
That helped form our Constitution. Truthfulness, honesty, honor, Faith.
You are right. We must not stop now and wallow in whatever collective shame a particular side has. We need to reach a consensus of the best we have. And then we have to live it.
Cathy, I agree that we need to return to first principles rather than emotional reactions or just media reports. I think Christians will be well served by focusing on church, community, country (in that order). Thanks for your comment!
There is nothing more important that I can do as a Pastor than Preach and Teach the Word of God and lead our people to a thriving supernatural relationship with Jesus Christ. We are more committed than ever to equip our people and prepare our people. We are going to Preach the Gospel with more fervancy more conviction and we are going to allow the Lord to love souls through us to Himself… Yes, we will teach our people to contact elected officials and vote and voice their opinions but our focus will be the things of God and the people of God..
Thanks for you comment! I absolutely agree that the local church must focus on the Great Commission, and the gospel is the greatest and best hope for this troubled republic. I appreciate how you put citizenship in its proper role. The events of yesterday highlighted some unhealthy variations of citizenship/politics turned into religion or made ultimate, and I am convinced that many American Christians need to rethink this. I believe that we should proclaim and live out the gospel in every area of our lives, including in our role as citizen. So, I see what I am doing as an expression of discipleship–helping people follow Jesus in this area just like they should in their role as parent, employee, with finances, etc. But our actions in this arena should ultimately point back to the one, true King! As always, thanks for your feedback.
I am reminded that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” We can be quick to lump people into groups (right, left, liberal, conservative and on and on) and fail to consider that all are fallen humans. Souls are not won in the political arena, but through the long arduous process of one on one ministry. As distasteful as many of their policies are, the incoming administration is made up of real people who need to see Christ’s love in action and need our prayers far more than they need our criticism. And our family, friends and neighbors who may have voted differently than we did need the same. God is in control and it’s hard not to wonder if this is the message He’s trying to send His people in allowing the election to go the way it did. Yes! Stay engaged in the political process but never forget who it is that we represent and that the manner in which we represent Him matters!
Josh,
Once again thank you for a straightforward, level-headed, honest, and Godly approach to what is happening in our country. I do pray that we will never forget who it is that we represent for only in Him is there any hope for any country or for this world.
Thanks for your comment, as always. And amen!
Re: Question #1 What about voter/election fraud?
To say “widespread proof of a steal has not come to light” is the lie the democrats and their co-horts (media, big tech and more) keep repeating in hopes we’ll all buy it.
To compare the levels of past election fraud to what occurred in 2020 is like comparing apples to oranges. Laws being changed by those without legal authority to do so- was purposeful to set the stage for, and allow widespread voter fraud. Truck loads and suitcases of votes showing unaccounted for and unwitnessed by republicans, as well as machines in key states suddenly shutting down simultaneously and ending up with Trump votes converted to Biden- and much much more. All these things and many more have been testified to, videoed, documented, submitted via emails, phone calls, in person- and a lot proven through forensics and mathematics.
To say: “It is time to move beyond handwringing and fist raising.” sounds like you are say to be passivists- not warriors of Gods army. I don’t think we are supposed to lie down and allow Satan to prevail in keeping us from prayer and worship, or to allow others to steal our hard earned money and freedoms for their own power and wealth gain- which is what is happening. The Bible says God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of strength and a sound mind.
Regarding “his moral reputation, rhetoric and leadership style” causing a conundrum for we Christians according to you- I beg to differ based on who Jesus surrounded himself with, helped, healed, and had mercy on. His disciples weren’t exactly perfect gentlemen with great morals and spotless reputations. David messed up, Paul committed heinous acts against Christians, the woman at the well was a hooker, Samson messed up big time- and I can assure you these folks didn’t speak using eloquent people flattering words. However, it’s been proven and reported Obama and Biden have committed many misdeeds, lied, and Biden and his family gleefully spend ill gotten gains, and he had an affair with a married woman (Jill according to her ex) resulting in their divorce and now marriage. Yet because he puts on a fraud show of being a grandpa type and tells people what they want to hear in a soft spoken manner- you don’t face the same moral dilemna you apparently did/do with Trump? To me, that defies our God given discernment. At least Trump is a what you see is what you get- nothing hidden kind of guy. At least he made strides in aiding Israel, and surrounded himself with ministers of God’s word, and did what he could to protect our freedom to worship God, pray, and say Merry Christmas.
Lastly, being a “good citizen” and being able to shine God’s light to others as you advocate- requires one to interact with, show interest, and be friendly with others outside your family circle. It requires strength of Christian character and a willingness to not just go along to get along or bury one’s head in the sand to avoid dealing with truth and reality-including the evil times we live in.
Perhaps your next article should be about how you personally do that and what recommendations you have on how others can too. We need to be strong in the Lord and do good- as the many imperfect and rough characters in the Bible did for our examples- unafraid.