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Changing a Generation for the Kingdom
By Minister Bonita M. Sams
No matter where you go, the topic of conversation is the presidential election. Many will gather in offices across the country at the water cooler or at neighborhood community forums to talk about their individual candidates of choice for the upcoming election on November 4. The greatest debate among Christians most assuredly will be, “to vote” or “not to vote.” This has been an age-old conflict that has broken relationships and church alliances. Many have cited that politics has no place in the church and that believers should not participate in the voting process. Even further, several church leaders have voiced that a believer has no place in the political arena as a candidate and should be ex-communicated from the church if he or she decided to run for a political office.
So, how about I play “Angel’s Advocate” by sharing some food for thought? In the Old Testament, many of God’s chosen held political offices, influenced those in the political arena, or founded the very laws in which Christians govern their lives today.
Moses was one of the greatest vessels of God who was instrumental in establishing the laws which we live by today. He transitioned his leadership to Joshua when it became clear his death was imminent. The Bible states in Deuteronomy 31:3-15 that Moses presented Joshua, his successor, at the “Tent of Meeting” whereby all the people of Israel agreed to support Joshua just as they did Moses. Moses understood it was imperative that the people be governed and led by someone who understood both the laws of God and the laws of government. Here we see the transferring of leadership from Moses to Joshua for purposes of furthering the Master’s plan for His beloved chosen children to possess the Promised Land. The mandate for His chosen to possess the land still holds true. God is challenging us as believers to possess lands and territories to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ by establishing businesses, institutions for higher learning, health facilities, and much more, all of which should be Kingdom centered. As a body of believers, we must press toward making changes which will benefit generations to come by marketing the Gospel through our streams of resources which may include government, so that our children and our children’s children may possess the land.
Joseph was appointed ruler of Pharaoh’s house and over all the land because of his God-given gift of interpreting dreams. He literally was the second in command next to Pharaoh. He made decisions, which impacted the lives of Egyptians as well as citizens in other neighboring countries. Most notably, he wisely stockpiled enough grain during the seven years of abundance in preparation for the famine to come. In the end, the grain supply was enough to not only provide for Egyptians but for the surrounding nations as well. God is calling us to use our wisdom and Godly “know how” to provide in the natural for those who are in need and use that as a vehicle to introduce the plan of salvation to those who don’t know Him. Jesus made a point of first addressing the physical need of the people by healing them and feeding the multitudes with fish and loaves of bread. Would it not be out of the realm of possibilities for us, as followers of Christ, to do the same? Like Joseph, we should place ourselves in a position to make provision for not only ourselves, but for those around us who may find themselves in need. By being instrumental in supplying a need, we are in essence letting others know, He really is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, and He surely can be a provider for them as well.
On Sunday mornings, we shout with an “amen” of agreement that we want to change a generation. Could it be possible that we may be able to do that on a much broader scale by tapping into the political realm and utilize it as a vehicle to change the lives of the next generation? In order for us to take the neighborhoods, cities, and nations back from the Prince of the Air, we must be good resourceful citizens and vote to change the laws that impact those who can’t do for themselves which ultimately impacts our belief system of giving to the poor and those in need. In the book of wisdom, Proverbs 31:8 says that we must “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” It goes on to say, that we should “defend the rights of the poor and needy.” What better way to bring about positive change for families in crisis than by voting for Godly candidates who support programs and laws that could change the very essence of someone’s future for the better?
There is a strong history of our country that points to political and religious freedom. Immigrants came to this country through Ellis Island for so many reasons, but many fled their countries in pursuit of the dream of having a voice in the political system. They sacrificed and fought so that they would not be scrutinized for their faith. Let us not forget during the time of Dr. Martin Luther King, whereby people of color had water hoses turned on them and were beaten so that others may have the opportunity to better themselves and yes, to vote. The right to vote has already been paid for us through the sacrifices of those many years ago, just as the opportunity for our sins to be erased has been bought with the blood of Jesus Christ. Let us be mindful that politics and citizenship must be about the gathering of God’s people in the community to change the very course of history, all for the building of the Kingdom. We can change the direction of our country and influence the decision of the lawmakers on Capital Hill at the voting polls.
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