No Separation of Church & State in the Christian Life

My family and I spent the first week of July in Washington DC on vacation. What an experience–very impressive and very sobering to realize how far we’ve come as a nation and how blessed we are. It made me think more about my responsibility and privilege, being a citizen of this country. Christians have a responsibility to be good citizens. While our country was founded on the principle that no government shall establish a state religion, individual Christians have a responsibility to live out their Christian life each day.

Christians believe that government is instituted by God. Romans 13:1 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” That’s not to say that every government is blessed by God, because some chose to go against His ways. But, the Christian believes that God loves order, and He establishes government to enforce the laws and keep order. The government is different than the church. In the church we operate with God’s love and forgiveness. Therefore, we don’t hold grudges, get revenge, and go the extra mile. While government is to be humane, it must operate on the principle of obedience and punishment when there is none.

For the individual Christian, we can’t separate our Christian faith from living in this world. In fact, in this world, is exactly where God has placed us. We don’t act one way at church and then another in the world. Christians should be model citizens. That is, citizens who participate in government, let their Christian opinions be known at home and at work, and be a light in their neighborhood. It doesn’t mean that we live ‘in you face’ Christianity, but Jesus put it this way, “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) We are to be the salt of the earth, and flavor the lives of those we come in contact with, for the good.

Christians have a responsible to vote, participate, and make a difference. There’s no separating the Christian; she or he is citizen and Christian. The example of Jesus in His ministry is one of ‘mixing it up’ with all people. Jesus let people know what was right and wrong, and His powerful love for people made an impact. Jesus didn’t just talked and interact with church people, He was around all the people of His world. On one occasion, the Apostle Paul waltzed right into the midst of the Greek community in Athens and began debating religion with the people. He was so well received, they invited him back. (You can read about it in Acts 17). In Old Testament times, Joseph became a ruling official in the Egyptian government and his influence was great. Joseph lived out his faith in the job that God enabled him to achieve. That position made it possible for him to care for many (You can read about Joseph in Genesis 47).

So, you see, there is no separation of church and state when it comes to being a Christian. As we celebrate our country’s birthday, let’s remember that no matter what we do, we are Christians and Americans, and let’s be that light and salt of the earth that Jesus calls us to be.