Reflections on Faith and Culture

Living in Montana, driving through snow is just something you adapt to. When storms hit and roads become impassable, you have to adjust your speed and let the snowplows do their work. Speeding through doesn’t improve safety; it usually only heightens risk.

I’ve noticed that some folks push their limits anyway. Maybe they gain a bit too much confidence, and their patience starts to wane. Some might seem to get away with reckless choices, while others face the consequences. Still, the plow does its job, slowly but steadily.

A Rush to Victory?

As the new year unfolds, I’ve been mulling over this lesson amidst discussions among Christians about our nation’s future. Some are already dubbing 2026 as “America’s Golden Age,” suggesting that Christian nationalism is the path forward. They believe that reclaiming Christian leadership and identity is essential—basically, they insist that Christians need to take charge.

It’s vital for Christians to reflect on their cultural position. The Bible encourages believers to be salt and light. Many faithful believers already serve in high office, and we should be supporting them more. What we should focus on isn’t whether Christians should serve, but rather the attitude they carry while doing so.

The Bible offers clear teachings on order. In 2 Chronicles, healing comes after people humble themselves, seek God, and turn from their ways. Authentic order always involves humility before healing.

This brings me to ponder: why does the idea of a forthcoming Golden Age seem so disconnected from calls for repentance?

Our culture clearly struggles with moral decline. Christians might not envision total collapse, but over 60 million abortions since 1973 isn’t something to simply overlook. The Bible holds the shedding of innocent blood in serious regard.

Obedience vs. Violence

When sin isn’t just tolerated but enshrined in policy, how should God’s people respond? Anger can be a natural reaction, and some resistance might be needed. Yet, what are we resisting, and how?

The Bible advises that our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood. We claim to believe that, but do we act on it? If our battle is spiritual, then why do our responses often hinge on human strength and political maneuvers?

Expecting victory based on our understanding instead of God’s seems misguided. How can we presume to know God’s wisdom while sidestepping the repentance that scripture calls for first?

What is the snowplow’s role right now?

Many take prosperity as proof of God’s blessing, but scripture doesn’t guarantee this linkage. Consider that drug cartels prosper. Entire industries thrive on sexual exploitation, generating enormous wealth. The critical question isn’t if something succeeds, but why it does.

Does prosperity signify divine approval, or does it indicate that we’ve removed inhibitions, allowing people to pursue their lusts? If abundance is our only form of blessing, how do we account for the ease with which sin spreads?

Invoking God’s Name

Expressions like “God bless America” raise several important questions. When a national leader invokes God’s blessing during a speech, is it merely personal sentiment or a broader declaration? And can these claims align with scripture? Can the same God who condemns innocent blood bless both His defenders and the nation without contradiction?

Is it that God ignores sin to bless nations, or does the Bible suggest the opposite view?

This isn’t a question for unbelievers, who may not care about repentance. It’s a challenge to the church.

Historically, when God’s people grasped their wrongdoing, their responses weren’t filled with proclamations of victory or destiny—they confessed. Leaders didn’t announce success but admitted guilt; only then did restoration begin.

So, why do so many narratives about an incoming golden age ignore narratives of repentance?

The scriptures often cited to promote Christianity’s political supremacy emphasize Christ’s undeniable authority. However, how that authority is enacted deserves contemplation. Jesus indicated his kingdom isn’t of this world. The early church garnered influence not through coercion, but through obedience, endurance, and unwavering witness.

This approach transformed the world.

Conservatism isn’t holiness. True holiness runs deeper than political coalitions or victories. Scripture teaches that a nation’s most serious issues lie not in its laws but in the hearts of its people. Laws can curb behavior but can’t change hearts; that mission belongs to the gospel.

No Rush for God

As a caregiver, I learned that effort doesn’t equate to health. When faced with pressure and uncertainty, urgency often masquerades as responsibility. Sometimes, trying to control things can lead us astray.

If we end up in a ditch, our intentions won’t earn us any accolades. There’s no benefit in trying to race ahead of the plow; that only leaves a mess.

God isn’t hurried; He operates on His own timeline, not ours.

Repentance doesn’t equate to relinquishing influence; it’s the foundation upon which genuine influence endures.

If God is who He says He is, what wisdom lies in moving ahead of Him?

This leads to a crucial question: Are we asking God to bless something that refuses to repent?

The biblical order remains unchanged: humility precedes healing, and repentance precedes restoration. If we proclaim a golden age without genuine repentance, we shouldn’t be surprised if what we build turns out to be a golden calf instead.