Following the election results of last week I find a wildly divergent response on the part of Americans and from those around the world. Some are filled with excitement and a new basis of hope while others are hugely disappointed and hopeless. I would expect this to be common among those who are either unsaved or untaught in the things of God. But the reality should be seen that politics and government will never be a lasting solution in the affairs of men. And I believe that history will affirm that governments only reflect the character of the culture out of which they come, and that the only truly positive effect on culture throughout the centuries has been the gospel and the faithful Church of Jesus Christ.
The real protective and preserving influence within our world is not governments but faithful Christians. This is the real meaning of Matthew 5:13-16:
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I think it would be good for us as believers to reassess our place and position within our world and recommit ourselves to a faithful walk with Christ. This is our true calling and it is far more powerful than we can know. It is for this reason that God has “scattered” us throughout the world. Christ and conversions are the solution, not governments.
