The Election and the Evangelical

Our current presidential election is bringing not just Christian beliefs to the forefront, but the entire concept of Christianity. What does Christianity mean anyway? The media, as an institution, cannot define it. Perhaps it is due to the prevalent idea today, that what one person defines as truth is truth for him but another person’s truth can also be true. Since when can 2 plus 2 equal both 4 and 5?

There is really only one definition of Christianity. Although it can be worded in various ways and translated in many languages, any accurate definition of Christianity embodies its root words: Christian and Christ. But Christianity is not merely a religion based on the teachings of Jesus, as it is most commonly understood to be; instead, it is better defined as the practical expression of the real Christian, the one who truly believes in Jesus as the Christ and who nurtures a mutually abiding relationship with Him.

Christianity is the expression of belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God the Father, who was made intimately known to men and women by coming to earth in human form, to live and die and overcome death to live again, so that mankind may also live again spiritually in harmony with God through Him both now and forever. This “living again” or “new life” is granted individually upon this heartfelt belief. Without heartfelt belief in the deity of Christ, in the sacrifice of His life to pay for sin, and in His divine resurrection, as well as a humble surrender to and an individual acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior, one is not a Christian and therefore cannot demonstrate true Christianity…period.

The spiritual rebirth that occurs from true belief results in permanent change. Just as someone is permanently changed by any significant experience, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a parent, etc., a person having had a supernatural encounter with the living God is never the same. Because of the joy and peace experienced, many of these people become so enthusiastic, zealous and eager to share they are termed evangelical. Evangelical Christians make up some 20-25% of expected voters in the upcoming election.

Many claim Christianity their religion as a birthright. But it is not a right of birth or a legacy that can be passed automatically from one generation to another. Christianity is the result of belief. Beliefs are thoughts accepted as truths. One cannot oblige specific thinking in the mind of another nor force the acceptance of belief upon another; this is an impossibility. Each person thinks his own thoughts based on the information he has received through his own experiences, and then formulates his own beliefs by determining what he accepts as truth. However, what one accepts as truth does not alter the truth itself. 2 plus 2 equals 4 regardless of what one believes. This is why education is so vital, and why evangelicals are deeply concerned with sharing their faith so that others will choose to believe fact over fiction. This drive to preserve truth also fuels many evangelicals’ interests and participation in the political process.

In an August 15, 2008 interview with ABC News, Pastor and Author Rick Warren suggested that evangelical Christians may not consider either presumed presidential candidate an evangelical. But perhaps we evangelicals are too hard on our presidential candidates. Perhaps we should remember we are electing a president, not a preacher. Only God can see into the heart of man.

Pastor Rick said that “politics is the art of compromise.” If this is true, then for someone of any faith to be successful in politics, he must somehow reconcile his personal convictions with the necessary component of bridging, unifying and compromising for the sake of peaceful consensus. It is a daunting task at best, but it is possible to be enthusiastic, even evangelical, about one’s faith, yet temper one's enthusiasm in order to successfully keep the charge to which he is called. This temperance does not necessarily indicate compromise of conviction. It may simply be a compromise of expression for the sake of reaching all God’s people for the common good.

Evangelical Christians must consider the candidates' convictions, but should be careful to evaluate their content over their expression. Certainly Christians should be alert to any political compromise that violates the truth of God’s Word. Regardless of your political persuasion, I hope you will join me in praying for both candidates during this election season, as both will make lasting marks on our country.

Carrying the Torch

The 2008 Olympics are only days away, and the torch relay is in full swing. Much celebration surrounds the torch bearing tradition and the passing of the Olympic flame from one to another. The torch relay covers thousands of miles before reaching its final destination of honor, illuminating the setting for international peace and sweet victories to be broadcast throughout the world.

How similar this is to the race we are to run for God, bearing the Light of the world. Isaiah 49:6 proclaims God’s future plan to send Jesus the Son to earth, saying “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant…I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Yet when Jesus came, He told His disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14, emphasis mine). Jesus came into the world in human form to bring the torch to us, to light the way to eternity. Jesus says he who follows Him will have the light of life, because He is the Light of the world. (John 8:12)

Jesus gives us His light not just for us to have and enjoy, but to share. He said, “nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Matthew 5:15). Jesus intended for us to take our places on the lamp stand, giving light to the world on His behalf. He did not light the hearts of Christians and then hide them under baskets. But unfortunately we sometimes ungratefully hide the light He has placed in our hearts. Rather than run the race proudly bearing the torch for Christ, we run our own races proudly for ourselves, bearing our own selfish banners, ignoring the precious eternal flame entrusted to us. We are called to hold high the flaming symbol of victory high above our own heads so that the light is noticed, not the runner. As the Olympic torch calls attention to a matchless day of rejoicing for athletes, so much more should the light of Jesus call attention to the coming day of redemption to be celebrated by Christians around the world.

“The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked goes out” (Proverbs 13:9). The righteous cherish and protect the light within them so that they can pass it on as commanded. His Light rejoices over the righteous life. I pray He has lit your torch with His light. If so, is it burning brightly for Him, and a source of joy in your life? Or is your lamp flickering weakly, merely a glimmer of the hope that He gave you?

“Light the passion, share the dream.” This is the motto of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay. As Christians, we have more than a dream to share; we have a living hope and a blessed assurance in Jesus Christ. So, light your passion within, and share the hope you have in Christ. Raise His torch so that many can see. And unlike the Olympic torchbearers, when you pass the light to others, keep your torch aflame and keep running the relay for Him, so that the Light may multiply and His salvation may reach to the end of the earth.