God In The Political Process?

Is this really happening? Is a potential Presidential candidate really calling for a day of prayer to seek God’s wisdom to help solve the devastating and growing problems of this financially and morally crumbling nation?

The answer is yes and his name is Texas Gov. Rick Perry. And yes, he has ‘ordered’ a day of prayer and fasting on Aug. 6 to “seek God’s guidance and wisdom in addressing the challenges that face our communities, states and nation." It is part of what is being described as a non-denominational, apolitical, Christian prayer meeting hosted by the American Family Association at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

Perry will participate in the all-day event that encourages people to bring a Bible and a notebook. Perry has invited every governor in the country to attend, and he is urging them to issue similar proclamations. The Texas Governor stated, "Given the trials that beset our nation and world, from the global economic downturn to natural disasters, the lingering danger of terrorism and continued debasement of our culture, I believe it is time to convene the leaders from each of our United States in a day of prayer and fasting, like that described in the book of Joel. I urge all Americans of faith to pray on that day for the healing of our country, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of enduring values as our guiding force.”

Finally, a man of faith has come out publicly and boldly, and seems willing to put his political future on the line for what he believes is needed to help restore faltering nation to her former spiritual foundation, health, and state and glory. His plan is refreshing and right. But the question lingers. Will it get off the ground in a secular dominated political atmosphere? That became evident as it took little or no time for the protests to his proposal to arise.

The Secular Coalition for America, the national lobby for secular and non theistic Americans, has called on all elected officials to reject Perry's invitation, saying the event favors Christianity over other religions and beliefs. Sean Faircloth, executive director of the organization, stated in reaction to Perry, "The last thing our officials should do in times of national struggle is promote a divisive religious event that proposes no real solutions to our country's real-world problems. Calling upon all Americans to embrace Perry's personal belief system is an insult to the millions of upstanding citizens who practice religions other than evangelical Christianity, as well as the millions of secular Americans who contribute to society without pushing their views on others."

It is beyond tragic, not to mention dangerous, that so many modern day-Americans and those they elect fail to see the importance of acknowledging God and following His basic biblical laws and decrees. Apparently, at least Texas Gov. Rick Perry gets the truth of doing this. First he gets it for the individual as spelled out in Proverbs 3:5-10. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Then too, Perry apparently realizes that honoring God, and inviting Him and His Word into the national debate, has major positive and healing national implications as the Psalmist forcefully declared in Psalm 33:10-12. “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is to be applauded for his spiritual and biblical commitment and for his effort to offer up the basic solution to a nation’s many and growing ills. And pray that some of those with whom he has influence will somehow “get it” and react as did a select group of spiritually minded leaders described in 1 Chronicles 12:32. “The sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.”

Bill Breckenridge