Warning to the Church

When it comes to public policy it seems some American Christians think as Americans *before* they think as Christians (i.e. biblically). When this happens their Christian commitments are defined by citizenship rather than their citizenship defined by Christian conviction. In the worst case scenario, as we have seen so often, the faith then gets wrapped in flag, assigned to partisan groups, and loses sight of biblical teaching. <em>This is not Christianity.</em> This does not say to the world, “Jesus is Lord.” It says, “Country is Lord. " Then it says, with religious zeal and fanaticism, “Do not mess with my country!” At that point many are engaged in functional idolatry. At that point, xenophobia, nationalism, prejudice and lovelessness find loamy soil to grow. And it’s called “Christian faith.” <em><strong>It’s not. </strong></em> This world is not our home. This country is not our country. This city is not where we live. Christians are heirs to a kingdom not of this world whose Builder and Maker is God. We are exiles traveling to the Mew Jerusalem. Heaven is our home. Our Father has mansions for us there. Ultimately “God and country” Christianity rashly trades our new birthright for a mess of pottage in a time of temporary hunger. I’m afraid some will find themselves in tears and unable to repent. Ask Esau (Heb. 12:16-17). Meanwhile, it seems to me the Lord is showing His kindness by awakening many in His Church to the wonders of “religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father” (Jam. 1:27). Worthless religion is being forsaken (Jam. 1:26). True faith is shining through. A good number of saints are saying, “Her am I Lord, send me.” They’re responding to the gospel and the scripture and seeing more in the Bible than they had before. Scales are falling off. Minds are being renewed. Faith is being worked out. They are undeterred by the Sanballots hindering the rebuilding. With sword and trowel they labor on and will fight on if needed. They have learned to tell the difference between those who critique to make them better and those who want them to stop. With God’s help they are readying themselves like bridesmaids awaiting their groom. They are busting themselves in their lanes, wanting to be about the Father’s business when He comes. They are growing in love, zeal and knowledge. The Pharisees hate them but can’t stop them. Christ is at work in His people. He walks among the candlesticks. It is to be feared that He may remove some. But it rejoices the heart to know He will not quench the smoking flax but will stir the flame of the true all the brighter! Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Thabiti Anyabwile