Reflections: Serving multiple masters doesn’t work

As election time nears, I’ve been reflecting on parallels between biblical history and what we see around us in our nation and communities. 

The prophet Zephaniah warns of God’s judgment coming to Israel/Judah because their national and spiritual leaders have bowed to multiple gods, referring to “those who bow down and swear by the Lord, but also swear by [a false god], and those who turn back from following the Lord, neither seeking the Lord nor inquiring of Him” (1:5-6, BSB). 

Even the priests, entrusted with the spiritual guidance and sacrificial system, Zephaniah says “profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the Law” (3:4). 

God made it clear in the 10 Commandments given through Moses (Exodus 20) that his people were to worship Him alone. That did not change in the New Testament—Jesus affirmed those commandments to his disciples, and stated that “nobody can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). The New Testament writers all communicate the same message, including warnings about heretical teachings trying to infiltrate the early Church.   

What does this have to do with election time? Even though our nation’s founders weren’t perfect, their writings show clearly that they intended the United States of America to be established and governed according to Judeo/Christian principles in the Bible. Some of the earliest settlers studied foundations for biblical government, under the leadership of their pastor before embarking on the Mayflower.

I’ll risk being deemed too political by saying we need a reminder of those principles. Do we all need to worship exactly the same way? No; that’s why we don’t have an official national church. Should followers of other religions be welcomed to the U.S.? Yes, provided they come through the proper immigration procedures. Should they assume government positions? Only if they agree to the values and principles upon which this nation was founded. 

It’s been difficult to watch as even some church leaders have avoided taking a firm stand on issues about which the Bible clearly establishes what is right. It was even more saddening and frightening last week, as our nation collectively remembered the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, to realize that we now have several leaders in place who do not see those terrorist organizations as a problem, including the mayor of the very city where some of those horrific events occurred. In spite of “Never Forget,” it appears that many people have. 

Some of those leaders, including that one, have taken their oath of office on the Quran rather than the Bible. If that doesn’t scare you, it should. I haven’t read much of the Quran, but I’ve read sufficient portions to know that I don’t want to be governed by someone who uses it as their guide. If these leaders are allowed to remain in place, our nation is trying to “serve two masters,” and setting ourselves up for disaster. 

I usually try to keep this bit of writing encouraging and uplifting, but, friends, it’s been heavy on my heart this week that we can’t afford to ignore this. I’m not an expert on either ancient or modern Israel, but I do believe in our shared values based on the Torah/Old Testament. Yes, we may sometimes need to “meet in the middle” (thanks, Diamond Rio!) about the finances and details of government; but if remembering the events of 9/11 teaches us anything, it should be that evil does not meet in the middle. It keeps pushing and takes over. As we vote, we must remember that compromising national foundations of faith is not the way to work together. 

In these last few weeks counting down to the November election, please join me in praying that God awakens the people in this nation and that our hearts are turned toward Him.