It is a wonderful thing when a people group follows God’s rules and principles. Whether they believe in Him or not, following His rules brings blessing. He created us so He knows what is best. So ideally, we as Christians would like to live in a nation that upholds God’s principles because we know it is easier and healthier. But the unsaved population in our culture has a loud voice and is pushing a different agenda. What can we do?
As I prayed for our nation and the unsaved people who are dictating its laws, I asked this question. What can we do? As I read the Bible and looked at Jesus response to sin, I realized our response is the same as it is in a culture that holds to Christian mores and traditions. It is to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20, NIV)
I think it is essential that we remember that we are to first make disciples before we teach them to obey. Sometimes we get this backwards. We want people to live as citizens of God’s kingdom and follow his rules even though they are citizens of the world. Keep in mind, I am not saying it isn’t nice to have a country that lives by God’s principles. I know there is some benefit to following God’s rules without knowing Him. It does make for a healthier society. But God is more concerned about eternal consequences. It is His desire to save the lost from everlasting destruction. I need to join Him in this pursuit.
I need to make disciples. I need to share the good news of Jesus. Once my friends and neighbors know Jesus, it is my responsibility to teach them to obey. If each Christian purposes in their heart to join me in this pursuit, we can change our nation. We can turn from the destructive path we are now following. We can change the course of history. But true, lasting and eternal change only happens one individual at a time. Let’s make disciples.