Don’t Wait for Washington

In 2015, I was at a meeting in Minneapolis when the Supreme Court issued its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. I was upset about the direction our nation was taking, and I brought it to the Lord.

I asked, “God, why don’t You do something about this?”

His response was, “Why don’t you do something about this?”

That challenged me. I had been asking God to address something that I needed to take responsibility for addressing myself.

As I prayed about what to do, my first step was to write the Declaration of Dependence upon God and His Holy Bible. It affirmed our ministry’s commitment to the authority of God’s Word and to marriage between one man and one woman. We advertised it in newspapers across the nation, and hundreds of thousands of people signed it.

Then, in 2017, we hosted a conference at our Bible college with other Christian leaders. We recognized an opportunity to work together to reach our culture. That collaboration became Truth & Liberty.

These things all began with a willingness to do something about what concerned us.

You may look at the problems in our nation and wonder what you can do. You may think you don’t have enough influence to make a difference. But before you decide that, consider what God has already placed in your hands.

Don’t Wait to Act

We need people in government who will uphold the truth, protect freedom, and make sound decisions. We should pray for them, vote, and hold them accountable. All those responsibilities matter.

But we don’t have to wait for Washington before we begin doing what God has called us to do.

Parents can teach their children the Word of God today. Pastors can equip their congregations to understand and address the issues affecting their communities. Business owners can practice biblical principles in the way they lead. Citizens can learn what their local officials are deciding and make their voices heard.

These opportunities exist regardless of who holds office.

If we spend all our time watching national events, we can overlook what’s happening in our own communities. Decisions about schools, families, businesses, and religious freedom often involve people and meetings much closer to home.

Do you know who represents you? Do you know what your school board is discussing? Have you communicated with your elected officials? Have you asked your pastor how you can help your church serve the community?

You don’t need a national platform to begin. You just need to take the next step.

Salt and Light Have a Purpose

In Matthew 5:13–14, Jesus called His followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Salt affects what it comes into contact with, and light helps people see. Jesus gave us a responsibility to influence the world around us.

That includes our homes, churches, workplaces, schools, and government. Our biblical convictions should shape how we live and how we respond to the issues before us.

If we believe every person is created in God’s image, we should defend human life. If we believe God established marriage and the family, we should teach those truths to our children and speak up when policies undermine them. If we value the freedom to share the Gospel, we should care about preserving that freedom.

Ephesians 4:15 tells us to speak the truth in love. We need to treat people with dignity, including those who disagree with us. But love doesn’t require us to be silent about what God’s Word says.

People need truth, and we have a responsibility to share it.

Be Faithful Where You Are

You may never speak before Congress or appear on television. But there are people who will listen to you because they know you. Your example carries weight in your family. Your experience can help your church. Your participation can make a difference in your community.

Don’t discount those opportunities.

Jesus taught in Luke 16:10 that faithfulness in small things matters. We need to use the influence we have instead of waiting for a larger opportunity.

That’s part of why Truth & Liberty exists. We want to educate believers, connect them with others, and help them put biblical convictions into action. There are Christians across this nation with the knowledge, experience, and ability to serve. We need them to recognize their responsibility and get involved.

Choose one place to begin. Teach your children why you believe what you believe. Attend a local meeting. Contact an elected official about an issue you have studied. Find others in your church who share your concern and work together.

Pray for our nation. Pray for our leaders. Ask God to show you where He’s given you influence. Then take responsibility for the opportunities He’s given you.

That conversation with the Lord in 2015 challenged me to act. The Declaration of Dependence upon God was the first step in a mission that continues today through Truth & Liberty.

What step can you take?

Learn more

Explore the Truth & Liberty website, subscribe to receive regular updates, and visit our Resource Center for great practical resources. Also, learn how you can become a Truth & Liberty member and join us in standing for truth in the public square.