Although hardly a household name in many American households (frankly, I don’t think I had heard of him prior to his being announced as Speaker), Johnson reportedly has become well-known in Congress for having a strong and unapologetic faith in Jesus Christ. In exploring the “fear” of imposing his convictions on others, the article quoted Johnson’s response to a question: “Someone asked me today in the media, ‘People are curious, what does Mike Johnson think about any issue?’ Johnson said…. ‘Well, pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it. That’s my worldview.’”
So, is it wrong to serve in elective office with a mindset of filtering decisions and actions according to a biblical worldview? This in turn raises another valid question: How much, if at all, should one’s spiritual faith influence how we think and act in any area of life, whether in politics, owning a business, teaching at a school or college, holding an hourly wage job, or simply relating to others we encounter every day?
Too many people have relegated God to the status of “last resort” – or no resort at all. Some folks speak of their faith as being “private” or “personal,” as if we’re inquiring about their bank accounts or latest medical exams. I would agree that we shouldn’t coerce or pressure anyone into believing as we do, but if we truly embrace the message of Jesus Christ as life-changing and transforming, is it wrong to want to share that with as many people as possible?
For the follower of Jesus Christ, faith isn’t like a hat you put on Sundays and hang on a post every other day. The apostle Paul said it clearly while speaking to a group of Greek philosophers in ancient Athens. After noting the idols for many gods being worshiped in that city, he told them about Christ and declared, “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
Just as we can’t live without breathing the air that surrounds us, Paul was saying that his faith in Christ was foundational to everything he thought, said, and did. But many people are prone to compartmentalize their lives, including areas of religion and faith. They can look “religious” during worship services but appear more like atheists or agnostics in their daily practices.
Perhaps this is why another apostle, James, made the startling pronouncement, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). ‘Wait a minute,’ someone might argue, ‘doesn’t the Bible state that people are saved by grace through faith, and not by works?’
Yes, it does. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” And Titus 3:5 concurs that, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but according to His mercy….”
But James goes on to address that apparent contradiction: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe this – and shudder…” (James 2:18-19). The apostle proceeds to cite the patriarch Abraham and the prostitute Rahab as examples of people whose faith compelled them to actions that would have seemed foolish otherwise.
Getting back to the headline about new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, if he’s as committed to Christ and the Scriptures as he professes, then according to the passages above he can’t help but lead the House of Representatives in a manner he considers consistent with what the Bible teaches.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). He also told His followers, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on the stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
If our desire is to honor the Lord, serving as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), can we do less than let His light shine brightly through us?
In the same edition of the newspaper I was reading, another headline caught my eye: “Biden calls for GOP help on gun violence.” Violence being committed with guns is a serious problem, without question. But I couldn’t help thinking that a more hopeful headline would have read, “Biden calls for GOD’s help on gun violence.”
Nearly every day we hear or read horrifying accounts about acts of violence, often with guns, across our society. Amid much pontificating, posturing and debate, suggested “solutions” are plentiful. But when was the last time we heard someone urgently calling for fervent, trusting prayer for God to intervene and bring an end to the needless, senseless carnage?
Maybe, just perhaps someone like a Mike Johnson, without “imposing his beliefs,” can lead the way and cast much-needed light when the path our nation is following seems so dismal and dark.
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