Let us turn to God’s word
To the Editor:
True Christian beliefs have been declining in the United States for a very long time, but looking at the Presidential election this year it was quite evident we have hit an all-time low.
While Christian “polling” still indicates the majority of us like to say we are Christian, our actions don’t seem to show this to be the case.
Every Christian, no matter their particular gifts or talent, is directed by God to strive to do the following:
1. Follow his basic teachings (Ten Commandments)
2. Lead others to him through the knowledge of his son Jesus Christ
3. Let their words and actions show they are one of his children, a true God-fearing Christian. A person who knows how to stay on the narrow path and to not lead others away from Christ by poor example.
We do these things not to earn salvation but out of thankfulness for the salvation already won for us through faith in Christ. (Luke 18:20, Romans 13:9, Matthew 28:19, Colossians 3:12-17, Romans 3:19-30, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 7:13-14)
Are the majority of us “so-called Christians” really followers of Christ and God’s word or are we false Christians?
The Presidential Election (as an example) should serve well in showing our nation’s commitment to Christ and his teachings. Since it has been established that no government entity or party is truly Christian (as they are run by sinners), it would then fall upon each individual Christian to determine whether the actual person they are voting for strives to govern by upholding true Christian beliefs. Any other criteria would be a misuse of our voting power and fall short of uphold our standing, before God, as a true Christian follower. Voting for anyone with non-Christian stances to govern over us is choosing the world over God. (Ephesians 5:6-12, Mark 8:33-38)
So how did we, as a mostly Christian nation, reflect our beliefs on this election?
1. We helped one candidate almost gain the majority of the nation’s votes. She displayed many Christian qualities, such as helping the poor, spreading the wealth and caring for the lame, but was also for abortion rights (murder) and not forthcoming in certain situations. Since murder and deceit (lies) are in direct contradiction to Christ’s commands for our lives, they would nullify any good deeds she would have otherwise done. (Psalm 51:5-6, Matthew 5:21, James 5:6)
2. We helped, even more so, a candidate win the election and the right to govern over us. That would certainly indicate he didn’t have any direct conflicts with true Christian beliefs, right? Well, while he is against abortion, he is not against murdering innocent people, as he made it quite clear that he would have no problem with bombing civilians if necessary to get to an enemy of the state. He also freely admitted his love for money and would implement non-Christian policies directed against the poor’s monetary benefits and health care. He boasts a self-serving attitude by implying he is the savior of the U.S. and is critical of anyone who opposes his views. He shows no remorse for having affairs, demeaning women or making fun of the mentally handicapped. He is deceitful in his religious beliefs, refusal to show tax returns and secretive about foreign relationships. He is disrespectful and racist toward many other cultures, religions, countries and even people in his own party. He issues threats to anyone who disagreed with him and also encourages physical retaliation by his followers. Anyone with these attributes cannot be Christian and any claim to be would be a false Christian. (Galatians 6:7-8, Ephesians 5:25-27, Luke 18: 22, Romans 15:26-27, Mark 7:20-23, 2 Peter 2:10-17, John 13:34-35)
If we continue this downward spiral away from true Christian practices and beliefs, we will find ourselves in no better shape than Babylon when they wouldn’t follow God’s directives. (Jeremiah 25:12-14)
May we turn from being and following “false Christians” and direct our attention back to God’s word.
Anthony Scheff
Fairmont