When Will America Finally Remove Our Modern-Day Pharaoh?
Transformed people transform the culture while standing boldly against evil. Let it be said of us, we feared no man, no power and gave no ground to the enemy. We are “soldiers of the Lord Jesus” and “more than conquerors in Christ!” Take a moment to consider the effect of the Christian witness on the culture in some of the most challenging times in human history:
Christian influence on government was primarily responsible for outlawing infanticide, child abandonment, and abortion in the Roman Empire (in AD 374); outlawing the brutal battles-to-the-death in which thousands of gladiators had died (in 404); outlawing the cruel punishment of branding the faces of criminals (in 315); instituting prison reforms such as the segregating of male and female prisoners (by 361); stopping the practice of human sacrifice among the Irish, Prussians and Lithuanians; outlawing pedophilia, granting of property rights and other protections to women; banning polygamy; prohibiting the burning alive of widows in India (in 1829); outlawing the crippling practice of binding young women’s feet in China (in 1912); persuading government officials to begin compulsory education of all children in Germany (16th century) and a number of other European countries.
During the history of the church, Christians have had a decisive influence in opposing and abolishing slavery in the Roman Empire, in Ireland and in most of continental Europe. In England, William Wilberforce, a devout Christian, led the successful effort to abolish slavery throughout the British Empire by 1840.
In the United States, Christians were the most ardent abolitionists, speaking, writing and agitating constantly for the abolition of slavery in the United States. The American civil-rights movement that resulted in the outlawing of racial segregation and discrimination was led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Christian pastor.
There was also strong influence from Christian ideas and influential Christians in the formulation of the Magna Carta in England (1215) and of the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787) in the United States. These are three of the most significant documents in the history of governments on the Earth, and all three show the marks of significant Christian influence in the foundational ideas of how governments should function. These foundations for British and American government did not come about as a result of the “do evangelism, not politics” view.
If the Christian church had adopted the “do evangelism, not politics” view throughout its history, it would never have brought about these immeasurably valuable changes among the nations of the world. But these changes did happen, because Christians realized that if they could influence laws and governments for good, they would be obeying the command of their Lord, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
The choice is clear: We can live in freedom under God or in bondage under any other source, which amounts to a modern-day pharaoh. Paul told the New Testament church, “The things that happened to Israel are an example for us” (1 Cor. 10:6). Surely you remember, God delivered the people from bondage in order to lead them into the land of blessing, freedom and fruitfulness. Our God is a God who blesses those living in His shadow. Only unbelief and disobedience to His Word can hinder the blessings He freely offers through His Son. “When the Son sets you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36).
True believers understand that hearts and minds must be transformed by the power of God and witnessing the visible manifestation of His life through the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Now is the time to “rise and shine with the glory of the Lord upon us!” Concerned Christians must support leaders who understand the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of a Christian worldview. This does not mean we impose our faith on others, merely that we choose representatives that reflect our values. That’s both the benefit and danger of democracy.
Sadly, I believe that inept, self-serving, corrupt leaders actually do reflect the values of many people. That’s why the church must rise up, courageously and compassionately demonstrating and defending the love of Christ. This we know for sure: Christ left us here as His witnesses on this Earth for His glory and kingdom purpose. The moment Christians decide to stand together as the family of God, the forces of hell will tremble, and truth will win!
James Robison is the founder and president of LIFE Outreach International.
