Just over 25 years ago, Tom Minnery, Focus on the Family’s former Vice President of Public Policy, authored an important book whose title amounted to both a wake-up call and a challenge for Christians: “Why You Can’t Stay Silent: A Biblical Mandate to Shape Our Culture.”
“The proper role for the Christian citizen is to participate in government as fully as his calling and skills can take him, whether it be limited to voting or as an active government leader,” wrote Tom.
In short, Tom made the case why Christians have a social and moral responsibility to put their faith into action and bring biblical principles to bear in all areas of life – including in the realm of public policy and politics.
Since the early days of Focus on the Family, the ministry has been working to equip and encourage Christians to get involved at every level – right up to running for office themselves. In fact, we practice what we preach. U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) is a former Focus staffer who returned home to his Hoosier roots and decided to run for local office. He was eventually elected to the House of Representatives and then the United States Senate.
Throughout his time in public life, Senator Banks has advocated for a Christian’s right to bring their biblical convictions into public life and believes that one’s faith can and should inform a public official’s view on a host of issues including the sanctity of life, the protection of women’s sports, and the biblical definition of marriage. He has long maintained that Christians should not have to abandon their religious convictions to participate in public affairs.
It would appear that Senator Elissa Slotkin, a colleague of Senator Banks, disagrees.
While being interviewed recently at the University of Chicago, Senator Slotkin expressed a desire to investigate individuals who she believes have contributed to President Trump and his administration’s policies and otherwise supported conservative ideals.
“I want to look at these signature cases and not just focus on the president, but on the people who enabled him,” she said.
In what is being interpreted as a chilling warning to social conservatives, Senator Slotkin elaborated on her plan:
“I want young people coming out of school to say, ‘Should I go work for the Trump administration? Like, that sounds fun, I might get an opportunity.’ I want them to be like, ‘Lord, that might be buying myself a ton of problems that I don’t want and so let me avoid participating in that.’ I want that deterrence message.”
Utah’s Senator Mike Lee reacted strongly to his colleague’s comments, noting, “It is absolutely disgraceful to threaten young Americans for participating in politics and serving their country.”
Christians are called to care about politics and policies because both impact the lives of our fellow citizens in very practical ways. The prophet Jeremiah urged, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (29:7).
When Jesus compared His followers to being “the light of the world” he instructed them to “shine” that light “before others” (Matthew 5:14, 16). In other words, get involved and take action. We should be bold and fearless. In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah’s instructions are downright specific: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (1:17).
Yet, God seems to also understand that we can be easily intimidated by either circumstances or individuals who may seemingly hold great power over us. That’s why we’re regularly reminded in Scripture to bear up in difficulty. All throughout God’s Word we’re told “Do not be afraid,” “Fear not,” “Be not afraid,” and to “Take heart.”
Christians can courageously and confidently serve in difficult places and circumstances knowing “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Tom Minnery was right – Christians must not stay silent. One very practical way to make your voice heard is to vote this November. Estimates suggest that between 30 and 40 million Christians often sit on the sidelines each election cycle – a dereliction of responsibility, both as a U.S. citizen and as a citizen of Heaven. Don’t be part of that troubling statistic. Instead study your ballot, pray, and bring your faith to bear on the decisions at hand.