With all the chaos in Washington, DC these days, I‘m often asked whether Christians should be involved in the public square. My response is that times like these are a call to action for those who follow Jesus. Christian voices are needed in Washington, in our local communities, and on our online platforms more than ever.
Plato said that the wise who refuse to take part in government suffer to live under the government of worse men. I think that sentiment applies to all forms of citizen engagement. Our silence will be filled by voices we may not want to hear. It’s quite noble to compete for the good society wherever we’re called to serve.
And if the news is pulling your down, it might be time to recall those inspiring examples who made a difference before us. No story is more encouraging than William Wilberforce who used his seat in Parliament to abolish the British slave trade. He also gave us a blueprint for COMMONWEALTH in the many social impact ventures that he and his friends formed through the Clapham Sect. For more on his story, you can read Eric Metaxas’ terrific biography or watch the film based on his book (both called Amazing Grace).Chuck Colson liked to say that the Kingdom of God will not arrive on Air Force One. It’s great news indeed that we are privileged to help bring it forward through our spheres of influence and our acts of service.