Excusing the State That Persecutes Them

Maybe it’s not cognitive dissonance, but there is something allowing my Christian brethren to accept, without unease, views that hold an internal contradiction.

This morning, I had to run a quick errand on my way to work. Before that stop, I listened to the host of a Christian talk show express her concerns and fears over the recent and forthcoming effects of decrees emanating from DC. She told her audience that, in essence, government is now hostile to our beliefs. Be prepared, but have faith, was her advice.

I fully agreed with her, thinking that she has finally seen the light – that championing the beast is not in our best interests.

With my morning task at hand, I stepped out of my car for not more than five minutes. Upon my return, the host was still talking in her concerned, fearful voice. But I soon realized I missed a segue. The troubles she was lamenting had changed. Now it was ISIS driving her to despair.

Gone was the specter of a vile, roving beast – government. In its place she now envisioned her defender hamstrung by Obama – a government and its military unable to destroy the world seven times over, or so I assume.

I shook my head because I know many of my fellow Christians hold these views; on one hand, a recognition that government has been loosed and is going to and fro, while, on the other hand, tempted by its lies and deceit, a dread that government may not be able to stem the forces of evil.

In the end, the latter view always wins. And the call comes out for greater government, even though each additional power will be soon loosed on all.

Maybe it’s a vestige of times past, when government appeared to be an ally. Nevertheless, I hear these contradictions on seemingly every Christian talk show.

Folks, government is not our friend, never was. Sure, it seemed that way. However, each power we gave it is now being used against us. So why would you desire to grant it more?

My Christian friends, quit being enablers. Quit championing that which will enslave you. Know that an entity you cannot trust with your freedom to worship and right to live out your life in faith is deceitful in other matters as well.

And know that you are, in essence, building high places when you believe government is your savior and desire to render to it more than is deserved.