Aristotle, 384-322 BC, is credited with establishing the thought that “Nature abhors a vacuum.” This means that empty or unoccupied spaces will always be filled… there’s no such thing as a completely empty space. For many years, American culture was filled with Biblical influence. We can thank our founders, who established our country on Biblical truth and principles, We can also thank our great-great grandparents and more recent generations, too. They overwhelmingly proved the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Word and His ways, through ups and downs, for over 200 years.
I was born in the 1950’s. My parents’ generation was raised with a heavy dose of fear and guilt. In my generation, we decried the legalistic attitudes of our elders and loosened the restraints that seemed to restrict their lives and ours. Tending to be more argumentative than obedient, we reasoned away the importance of church attendance, Sunday observance, marriage, modesty, thrift, self control. We justified gambling, toyed with profanity, saluted rebellion. We did such a good job convincing our children that nothing mattered that many people, in generations below mine, live as though nothing matters. (It turns out that many habits of the older generations, legalistic or not, bore good fruit.)
America is in crisis. The truth is that there are many critical issues in our homes, schools, workplaces, and at city hall that DO matter. I was introduced to “Cut Flower Ethics” by great American thinker, Dennis Prager. He says that flowers, cut from their roots, continue to look and smell beautiful, even as they’re rotting. We take quick glances, from a distance, and believe that our nation remains alive and well. We deceive ourselves.
If Christians continue to shrink back from politics, due to either fear or apathy, godlessness will fill the space. Pastors must lead their congregations to understand Satan’s tricks…They must enthusiastically preach the path to ABUNDANCE in Jesus (John 10:10). The church needs to stop apologizing for following Jesus and get busy casting a vision of hope, redemption and wholeness for the lost. WE are the plan for “His kingdom to come and His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” One important way to do this is through POLITICS.
Christians need to fill the political spaces. Pastor’s, please lead! Strengthen your people in the Word and Spirit. Encourage them to engage in politics. Call them to register! Remind them to vote! We need to replant Godliness. Let’s Pray…and GO!