We at Citizens for Traditional Values believe that Responsible Christian Citizenship includes participation in the public conversation, about important issues, in order to positively influence decisions affecting every aspect of our lives.
Our foundation for this program is built on the belief that it is our responsibility, as citizens of heaven, to be engaged citizens here on earth. Christians are blessed with the privileges and responsibilities of both kingdoms!
Government was important enough to God for him to clearly instruct us:
“For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God…” (Romans 13:1b)
He also provided this command:
“…Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” (Mark 12:13-17)
With our eyes set on Him, He has called US to be responsible stewards and caretakers of the realm in which we live.
In America we have been given a rare and wonderful Judeo-Christian heritage that includes, in every generation, the active influence of the community of faith. But when the people of God are absent, so are standards and worldviews involving Godly virtue, righteousness and integrity. In our nation’s early years, Reverend John Witherspoon said in 1783:
“…civil liberty cannot be long preserved without virtue. A Republic must either preserve its virtue or lose its liberty.”
We stand at a crossroads in our nation that if people of faith do not engage and virtue does not return, we may very well lose our liberties.
How exciting it is that God has bestowed upon us the role of “salt” and “light” in the culture (Matthew 5:13-16)! Salt and light – even in small measures – influence and change their surroundings. And, as representatives and ambassadors for Christ, we must be engaged and ready to influence:
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
God’s commandments are very clear. Not only are we to be active participants in our surroundings, but we are to pray and give thanks for, respect and honor all authority, even those with which we disagree.
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
By obeying Him in this way, our nation will be blessed and we will bring glory to God!
Now more than ever in our nation, it is imperative to increase the Church’s awareness of what is happening in the public arena on issues that matter. If people of faith, virtues, integrity and traditional values do not monitor the activity of our local, state and national leaders NOW, our freedoms could be stripped away very soon. Nowhere in the Bible does God call us to give up when things grow challenging in our culture. Instead He tells us,
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
This world needs to know and experience God’s truth. So, commissioned from Heaven to engage – we have a job to do!