Recently Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, tweeted, “The reports of the conditions for migrant children at the border should shock all of our consciences. Those created in the image of God should be treated with dignity and compassion, especially those seeking refuge from violence back home. We can do better than this.”
Moore was voicing a concern that according to accounts had already been made by President Trump and Vice-President Pence. Nevertheless, Jerry Falwell, Jr. in his typical obsequious fashion leveled an ad hominem attack at Dr. Moore.
Falwell tweeted, “Who are you @drmoore? Have you ever made a payroll? Have you ever built an organization of any type from scratch? What gives you authority to speak on any issue? I’m being serious. You’re nothing but an employee- a bureaucrat.” Falwell could be asked the same questions.
I fail to see how calling someone names instead of addressing the issue, the treatment of migrant children, resolves anything. Besides, Falwell, Jr.’s only claim to fame seems to be his appointment as president of the school his father founded after, his father died. And how does being a Trump sycophant make one any better than being a bureaucrat?
When Pastor David Platt seemed less than enthusiastic, in Falwell’s opinion, in his support of President Trump, Falwell in typical Trumpesque fashion tweeted a vulgar comment about Platt that I will not repeat here. When questioned as to how the president of a Christian school could make such a remark, Falwell replied, I am “not a minister, but rather a trained attorney and real estate developer.”
That was an unsatisfactory answer. Whatever our station in life, whatever career or profession the believer pursues, we are to be first and always Christian in word and deed. Paul admonishes us that “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Being an attorney, or a real estate developer, or almost anything is not in and of itself wrong, but nothing excuses one from being a Christian in conduct first!
This is the folly of becoming overly involved in politics, we think politics or a particular politician can make America great again, but only our allegiance to Christ can make our nation great. My concern is some who are perceived as Christian leaders are being influenced more by politics and politicians than they are by Christ.
The Canadian history professor Donald Creighton said, “History is the record of the confrontation between character and circumstance.” Political history will soon be made here in America and we all will be confronted with political circumstances that will challenge our Christian character.
My prayer for our nation is that we put Christ first in the decisions we make; it is the only path to greatness.
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