Till Kingdom Come,

American Citizen
"Therefore…work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling; For it is God who works in you both to will
and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without
complaining and disputing, that you may become
blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in
the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among
whom you shine as lights in the world”…(Philippians
2:12-15 NKJ)

Have you noticed the growing resurgence of

America’s conservative movement?

Ten years ago the nation put a conservative president into the White House. Two years later both
houses of Congress added to their conservative majorities. And without much fan-fare, these gains also
ensured a majority of conservative governors and state houses across the nation. But once Republican
leadership strayed from conservative principles, we opened the door to a progressive dismantling of
our constitutional republic.

This year's coming election however, promises to hold some of the most vitriolic and raucous political
contests ever witnessed, pitting conservatives against the “incumbent elite” who seem willing to resort
to just about anything to maintain power. So, in many respects these are the best (and worst) of times.
It seems the American experiment that started with the pilgrims, has drifted dangerously off-course
since then, in terms of the ideals we hold dear. As such, we find ourselves at a cultural crossroads.

Data from Barna Research suggests America’s moral perspectives are continuing to degenerate. They
go on to state that our moral climate will not improve unless “strong and appealing moral leadership
emerges to challenge and redirect people’s thoughts and behavior.” Within this context, what is it that
Christians in American culture are called to do today? While the opening passage (above) answers this
question, we seem split by a polarity of opposing camps advocating pietisms on one hand, and
quietism on the other.
While few disagrees that we’re called to pursue individual maturity in Christ and proclaim the Gospel,
“how” we carryout these dual imperatives are matters of much debate. Should Christians strive to
advance a godly public agenda, or just “let go and let God?” I believe the answer is both, as these are
two sides of the same coin. We show our world the beauty of righteousness, while resting in the
sovereign power of God’s love. Polling data reveals that non-believers are seeking evidence that
Christianity is truly life transforming. Individually, we need to “walk the talk” in our homes,
communities and at work. Nationally, we must continue to “talk the walk,” as the promoters and
defenders of freedom—“endowed by our Creator with inherent rights.”

Together, America’s 90-million born again adults comprise

an ever-growing percentage of the electorate. As keepers
of the flame, are we not to be the champions of the Judeo-
Christian ethic in Western culture—especially if we have
the mind of Christ? As for our plight, I am reminded of the
book Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, which is
understood as a satire on 18th century morals and thought.
In Book I of the story, the small size of the Lilliputians is in
inverse proportion to the amount of their corruption.
Today, albeit for different reasons, the Lilliputians could
easily represent the liberal movement in America. Although outnumbered, they still hold sway over a
slumbering conservative majority through control of the media, academia and government.

Liberal domination in America though, is a recent phenomenon. The America I know rose to
prominence in large part because of a tradition of thrift, energy and intellect that its Puritan founders
set in motion. Their lives were a direct outgrowth of their Christian faith. That we’re referred to as a
Christian nation today, originates from the tradition of passing our faith and practice to the next
generation. Unfortunately, an erosion of these influences and values has accelerated in our generation.

Today’s noisy and rebellious coalition of liberal activists seems bent on removing all vestiges of
Christianity from the public square. Under the ruse of “separating church and state” they really seek to
“banish their most savage critic”—the Almighty. Try as they may, to scour the landscape of our
traditions, they will not succeed, for the Critic lives within us. As temples of the Holy Spirit, Christians
remain humanity’s last best hope to reach a world in spiritual darkness. And by grace we will prevail.

I’ve read the Book. I know how it ends—and it’s glorious (Rev. 21). But until that day, let’s stay vigilant
and persevere by remembering who we are and why we’re here. We are called to be light bearers to
our generation—till Kingdom come, as American citizens.

Roy Tanner