The Only True Religion: Soli Deo Gloria!

Faith is a tough thing. We’re going to look at faith more closely on Friday. The object of our faith at times is a moving target. As Christians we always proclaim faith in Christ, but when it comes to trusting the affairs of this world, are we willing to trust them to the sovereignty of God?

For God to be truly sovereign in our lives, He must be sovereign over all aspects of our lives. The Random House Dictionary defines as “a monarch; a king, queen, or other supreme ruler; a person who has sovereign power or authority.”

It is easy to proclaim that God is sovereign over our lives, but I sometimes think we are admitting the truth of His sovereignty rather than allowing it to be a reality. David was a king like no other of his time. He knew something about sovereign power, and yet he declared that God should be exalted and glorified, not in our strength, but in His:

    “Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.” (Psalm 21:13)

If we are to allow God to be glorified in all areas of our lives, then we must trust Him in all areas of our lives. American Christendom has succumbed to the fear that if we don’t accept the lesser of two evils, then greater evil will prevail. This belief is never more apparent than in the field of politics. And yet our Bibles tell us:

    “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.” (Romans 13:1)

This does not mean we should not be involved as citizens, but it does mean that God’s sovereignty involves American politics. God used King Nebuchadnezzar to bring revival to the Jewish people; He just might be trying to use Barack Obama for the same purpose. I’m just sayin…

We, me chief among them, Christian historians love to use Benjamin Franklin’s quote to prove that our nation was founded on Biblical principles, a belief shared by a deist like Franklin. His famous quote at the Constitutional Convention was:

    “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?”

Can we trust God in the affairs of our lives? In business? In our homes? In politics? Many a Christian businessman or woman conduct themselves at work in a way to glorify God. Ditto for husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, and children.

Is it possible for us to approach the arena of politics and as a citizen view our vote as an act of worship? How is it worship you ask? By voting your conscience and believing that one day you will give an account for that vote. We will give an account for how we conduct business and raise our families. Is it too much of a stretch to believe we will give an account for our citizenship?

Everything we do is supposed to be for the glory of God:

    “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify… Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:23, 31)

We cannot separate politics from religion as so many Americans, including many in the church, are advocating. The Apostle Peter says all things we do are to be done for the glory of God:

    “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)

I will not suppose to question any Christian’s decision in the political arena other than in the light of Scripture. We must all allow our consciences to be seared by Scripture alone. And within the light of Scripture, we must make our decisions and direct our actions all for the glory of God.

If He is sovereign, then we must trust Him with everything.

He created the heavens and the earth.

He created every living creature.

And He alone saw our need for salvation and sent His only begotten Son to save us.

We’ll look at that truth tomorrow…

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2012 David Jeffers

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