Rep Matt Shea: An Appeal to Christians

AN APPEAL TO CHRISTIANS THIS ELECTION

Politics is a Mission Field

When you think of the darkest, most corrupt, ungodly places in current contemporary culture, do not Washington D.C. and Olympia come to mind? Well they should, and I would submit to you that from a mission’s perspective the Pygmies Peoples in Africa have been ministered to more than the politicians in Washington D.C. and Olympia. As Christians we must treat politics as a ministry.

The Rev. John Witherspoon became president of the College of New Jersey, today's Princeton University, in 1767. As one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, Witherspoon taught close attention to the Scripture, salvation by Grace, and a pure and uncompromised Gospel. He also taught believers how to obey the commands of Christ by instilling in his pupils to love and care for the needs and welfare of others, to love liberty balanced by love for order, and to love active responsible citizenship. In fact, of the 478 men who graduated under his supervision, there were 114 ministers of the Gospel, 13 state governors, 3 US Supreme Court Justices, 20 US Senators, 33 US Congressmen, one Vice President, and one President, James Madison.[1]

Why did this well known teacher and preacher of the Gospel send so many Christians into the political sphere?

The answer is quite simple; politics is a mission field.


Christians Have a Duty to Participate in Politics

Of the men who framed the US Constitution, there were 29 Anglicans, 18 Calvinists, 2 Methodists, 2 Lutherans, 2 Roman Catholics, 1 lapsed Quaker and sometime Anglican, and 1 so-called Deist—Benjamin Franklin (Jefferson was clearly and demonstrably not a Deist), who attended every kind of Christian worship, called for public prayer, and contributed to all denominations. Our entire Constitutional Republic is based on the assumption that Christians must participate in politics because all law is based on some concept of morality. In fact, according to David Barton the first mass printing of Bibles in our new Republic was done under the “care and…encouragement” of the U.S. Congress[2]. Never read that in school did you? Why the founders believed it is a Christian’s duty to participate in politics is answered, as odd as it may seem, with two simple questions.

What is the temple of the Holy Spirit? The body of the believer…

What is the government of the United States? “We the people” or the body of the believer…

This presupposed two things: 1. You are a believer, and 2. You showed up, participated, and voted so the Holy Spirit can work through you. That was the true genius of the Founders and the only way they could make their battle cry “no king but King Jesus” a reality.

Therefore, it is not wrong to participate in politics it is your Christian duty.


Christians Make the Difference

"Christians" comprise the largest potential voting bloc in Washington State. However, Christians also comprise the largest number of un-registered voters and comprise the largest numbers of people who while registered to vote, do not vote. “In the primary elections this year, Christian voter turnout was about 25% from people in your church.”[3]

Many races on the west side of our great state are determined by 500 to 2000 votes. If Christians show up that margin is easily made up and those who believe in restoring a God Honoring Constitutional Republic win. If we do not, it is our fault that un-principled, immoral, and unethical representatives get voted into office. Likewise ballot measures like R-74, which redefines marriage and would force Christian businesses to participate in same-s*x wedding ceremonies, are easily rejected. Christians make the difference.

Today, the Christian voting bloc has seemingly ignored the ethical and moral consciousness the Founders depended on to provide a viable society. The Christian voting bloc has seemingly ignored the fact that Christian participation is as foundational to a strong and vibrant church as it is to a strong and vibrant government. I hope you will join me in not only praying but making this election the turning point when we returned God to the center of our lives so that He may return to the center of our Country.

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” ~John Adams, October 11, 1798

Your Brother in Christ,

Matt Shea
State Rep. (4th L.D. – R)


Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.