“Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest, with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force take a drink from the Ohio or make a track on the Blue Ridge in a trial of a thousand years. At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer. If it ever reach us it must spring up amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide” (Abraham Lincoln, The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions, the Lyceum Address).
No presidency has seen more division during their time in office than that of Abraham Lincoln. We are nowhere near the level of conflict that was seen in his day. However, the grumblings of division are being heard. Some politicians and public leaders are fanning the flame for their own means. While others are doing what they know to quell the voice of those that would incite division. It appears as though we are but bystanders as we watch the nation that we grew up in and love become tainted by division. Communities are at odds, Americans are shooting Americans, and we can only watch.
NO! We will not stand idly by! The only redeeming quality of any nation is that God’s elect are present and active (Gen. 18:23). We are called salt and light (Matt. 5:13-14)—two agents that have an influence or impact on those around them. The answer to the rot, decay and gangrenous infection of division and sin is the church. We are that antibacterial agent that would cleanse a nation with the blood of Christ.
Please hear me. I am not espousing that we need more Christian politicians or that we need to picket some event or rally. You do not read of Paul picketing Nero’s banquets or spouting anti-Roman rhetoric. No matter who is in office or what type of government is in power, nothing is more powerful than a righteous saint on their knees in prayer (Jas. 5:16). For this reason, we are commanded to pray for those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-3). We are also commanded to follow the rule of civil government (Rom. 13:1-10).
We should sow the seeds of the word of God that would take root in the hearts and minds of our nation to make it truly great. We are the counteragent, the over watch to the very thing that would destroy our nation. We are citizens of a kingdom that can never be taken away from us. As a kingdom of free men, we must take up the armor of God and fight for the kingdom, not a party and for Christ not a cause. That is the only thing that is weighed in the balance of eternity.