Governor Scott Walker was asked recently whether he thought the president was a Christian. He answered appropriately that it was not up to him to judge the president’s Christian faith or the lack thereof.
Since then many have offered opinions on the subject stating that the president’s actions and ideology identify his mindset. That is Biblically correct.
On the Sermon on the Mount Jesus did moreover explain how to tell if a person is true of false, i.e. authentic or imitation. A person does in fact reveal himself/herself by what they say and what they do.
“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.” Luke 6:43-45
The next thing then, is to identify examples of ‘bad’ fruit. For that we’ll refer to the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Christians in Rome Paul listed numerous acts and practices that are condemned. We’ll list a small portion of them that tend to focus on one’s political ideology and personal benchmark for their perceived standard of justice.
“…murder, strife, deceit…proud, boasters…undiscerning, untrustworthy…” Romans 1:29-31
Let’s take them one by one. The Greek for ‘murder’ in the present context means ‘slaughter’ or ‘cut to pieces.’ Some would say that defines late term abortions.
The next one is ‘strife’ which in the Greek means ‘contention,’ or ‘love of strife.’
Then there is ‘deceit’ meaning ‘craftiness,’ ‘bait,’ ‘guile,’ or ‘despiteful.’
‘Proud’ means ‘arrogant’ while ‘boasters’ defines those who wrong others for the pleasure the affliction brings.
The ‘undiscerning’ describes those lacking understanding while ‘untrustworthy’ describes those whose word cannot be trusted as truth, or one who goes back on his word.
Equally significant is the following verse in the foregoing Roman passage.
“…Who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:32
Paul is saying that no one is totally innocent of all the condemnable actions or practices that he lists.
In other words if a government leader, in any branch of government, votes for or approves legislation or issues executive orders to protect those who break God’s laws; such a proponent is just as guilty as the one who actually breaks any of the specific laws listed.
There is, however; a Biblical principle that came to light recently that many believe the president can relate to.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and do good to those who hate you…” Matthew 5:43-44
Jesus succinctly summarized the mindset of one who claims to love Him, i.e. a Christian.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
Even before the Israelites entered the Promised Land Moses told them in advance not only what they would do, but what they would think. He told them that they would insist on having a king.
God already had that planned and He would provide a king in His timing. The king that God would choose would be one of their brethren; he could not be a foreigner. In other words he must have the same ideology, values, and agenda as outlined in God’s word.
The king should not depend on a strong defense for protection nor trust in national coalitions. His trust should be placed in the One who appointed him.
In addition:
“Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites…and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren…” Deuteronomy 17:18-20
Notice, the same law would apply to the priests and the king.
The sum of the matter?
“Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:20
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