Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done

This week, I read a sobering statistic about Christianity’s influence on the political views of American evangelicals. Only 12% of evangelicals (congregations like Faith Center) said their faith is the most important influence on their opinions about a specific political policy.  That means 88% of evangelicals like us are more influenced by personal experiences, the radio, television, and schooling than by Christianity.  The Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the Christian Church have little-to-no influence on political opinions.

Now, I understand the importance of avoiding political pageantry and punditry in the Christian pulpit.  Americans have a long history of abusing the authority of the church in order to accomplish certain legislative ends that have little to do with the gospel.  But, that doesn’t mean that we throw the baby out with the bathwater.  Christians should consult the Holy Spirit in prayer and the words of the scriptures over and above the voices of America’s culture wars.

           

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches His people how to pray.  This is the example Jesus gives: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  Jesus tells His disciples to invite God’s reign and God’s agenda to define all the things of this world.  There is no fudging on God’s will because it is politically expedient.  Christians are encouraged to submit every opinion to God’s will in prayer.

           

As you go through the coming week, let me encourage you to assess the foundations of your opinions.  Are your opinions rooted in your faith and relationship with Christ?  Or, are they rooted in the viewpoints of television, talk radio, and the internet? As you take stock, filter each view through the words of Jesus’ prayer: “Your kingdom come.  Your will be done.”