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As we navigate a world where moral values often clash with political ideologies, Christians must lead with faith, reverence for God, and obedience to His righteous standards.
–WILLIAM WOLFE
If the United States were a sick patient, political doctors could no doubt spend hours describing the ugly symptoms plaguing our body politic. From the ballooning national debt, the breakdown of the nuclear family, the rise of radical gender ideology, and the transformation of public schools into anti-American and anti-Christian indoctrination camps, it is painfully evident that we are not well.
But if these are the symptoms, what is the root cause? Again, many suggestions could be scribbled down on the diagnosis sheet, but from a Christian perspective allow me to suggest one: There is no fear of God before our eyes (to paraphrase Romans 3:18).
Collectively, our nation has chosen to fear man over God. And, collectively, we have started careening down the slippery slope into moral and spiritual disaster at an ever-accelerating rate.
As such, the need for a Christian-led political revival in America becomes increasingly evident. But this revival must begin at the beginning: By recovering a fear of the Lord. It must start with an unwavering commitment to fear God and put Him first.
Putting God first means just that — first. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy for the priorities of faith to become secondary or even complementary to other pursuits. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God demands the primary position in our lives. Putting God first is not merely a recommendation but an unequivocal commandment that we find in the Bible. In a society where our priorities are often shaped by secular influences, we must remind ourselves of the paramount importance of God’s place in our lives.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
This verse emphasizes that when we prioritize God above all else, including our political pursuits, we align our actions with His divine will — even, and especially, in our political pursuits.
George Washington once said,
“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
Washington recognized that the nation’s well-being hinged on its commitment to God and moral values. If we are to lead a Christian political revival, we too must put God first.
What does fearing God have to do with politics? Everything! Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
The fear of the Lord is not a paralyzing dread but a profound reverence for His holiness and authority. It is this reverence that enables us to recognize and oppose sinful depravity, ensuring that it does not go unchecked.
As I explained in a previous article on “What Does It Mean To ‘Fear God?’”:
“When Christians speak of ‘fearing’ God it means to ‘stand in utter awe and wonder’ and to ‘recognize that this infinite, holy God holds not just the whole world — but your life — in His hand.’ Most importantly perhaps, it means having a fear of the final judgment. Of coming before a judge. The Judge.”
Remembering that God is the Judge of all — over our own personal lives and the actions of our political leaders — is a first, crucial step in rightly re-ordering American politics. Adherence to God’s standards is necessary for enacting justice and electing righteous leaders.
John Adams, the second U.S. President and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, stated,
“The general principles, on which the Fathers achieved independence, were the only Principles in which that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen could Unite… And what were these general Principles? I answer, the general Principles of Christianity.”
In other words, without Christianity — and the fear of the Lord — the American system secured in the wake of the War for Independence would crumble, which is what we are seeing today.
Francis Schaeffer, a well-known Christian theologian and philosopher, also spoke about the importance of fearing God rightly as the foundation for political reform, arguing,
“The central problem of our age is not liberalism or modernism…nor the threat of communism…All these are dangerous but not the primary threat. The real problem is this: the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, individually and corporately, tending to do the Lord’s work in the power of the flesh rather than of the Spirit. The central problem is always in the midst of the people of God, not in the circumstances surrounding them.”
This quote reflects Schaeffer’s belief that a lack of absolute moral standards (which he associates with a fear of God) inevitably leads to societal decline. Therefore, to fear God in our politics means that we humbly submit to His creation order and sovereign rule over all.
Biblical history offers numerous examples of individuals who prioritized fearing God over man’s approval and were blessed and successful in their political efforts:
A Christian-led political revival in America is essential, and its foundation must be an unwavering commitment to fear God and put Him first. As we navigate a world where moral values often clash with political ideologies, Christians must lead with faith, reverence for God, and obedience to His righteous standards. By doing so, we can steer our nation back onto a path of righteousness and blessing. But it begins with this: Fearing God more than man and always putting Him first.
The Church must be involved in public discourse and influence. That’s why we write — so our readers can be equipped to understand and pursue righteous change in the world. For more timely, informative, and faith-based content, subscribe to the Standing for Freedom Center newsletter.
