“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (I Cor. 9:24).
It is certainly true that a resurgence of salt and light (Christian virtues) in the 1960s, 70s, and on into the 80s poured into American culture, keeping us from losing every fiber of moral sanity as a nation. But for those of us who call ourselves by His name, that was only the first lap in our spiritual run to reveal God to the world.
Most of us thought it was the end of the race. We thought we had arrived! How shortsighted we were – and apparently, we still are.
That same resurgence also gave birth to Ronald Reagan’s presidency, thank God!
And it is how President Trump was reelected. No doubt about it!
Promoting moral principles and standing in defense of the innocent, especially children who were being mutilated and brainwashed wholesale, is certainly a godly and righteous cause. It was our responsibility to do just that, and many of us did.
But to speak truth into society is only part of our responsibility, and as in every race, the first lap is the easiest lap to run. The rest of the race involves doing things that only God can do, involving total transformation. Biblical Christianity is much more than simply following a set of moral principles.
The body of Christ has been tasked with revealing God to the world, not merely a God-code of ethics (and we have only done that halfway).
Notice how far beyond the first lap we’ve been called to run:
“… to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Eph. 3:10-11).
What we must do now is mature into a truly holy and righteous people (not halfway), even demonstrating God’s glorious power!
That does not seem to be happening. We’ve drowned ourselves in the minimum – what it took to buy us a little time. The race to God’s glory is not over. We’ve a long way to go, and in just a short time!
A society can be shifted in the right direction by incorporating morality and truth, but the kingdoms of this world cannot be born of the Spirit.
Now that millions of Americans who share some of our Christian values have helped come to the aid of the nation, those of us who truly know Him have the responsibility to show the nation what it means to be born of His Spirit, which is an altogether higher form of life.
”For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).
The Spirit of God in us is the life of God Himself, who transforms us into the image of His Son and shines through us to the world, revealing His glory!
