The Spirit of Resistance
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| Thomas Jefferson
1743-1826 |
"...what country can preserve it's liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?"
- Thomas Jefferson
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From a letter by Jefferson written to William Stevens from Paris, Nov. 13, 1787.
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Our founders were real men, not afraid to resist. Jefferson understood that the power-hungry nature of man would evolve toward tyranny if not challenged and backed down on a regular basis. In the context of this quote, speaking of an uprising in Massachusetts, Jefferson said, "God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion...The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it's natural manure."
Resistance doesn't automatically mean bloodshed, no one in their right mind wants that. Jefferson's words are more rhetorical than literal. But we must remember that he and the other founders were patriots who literally pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to establish liberty. We must also remember that preserving that liberty requires devotion.
Our Lord Jesus requires no less devotion from us: "... whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33). Where devoted men rise up to stand for a righteous and free nation, there must be with it devotion to Christ. Church and state are the two legs upon which a Christian nation stands, each leg lending strength and balance to the other. But our surveys of conservative Christian political activists reveal that there is a disconnect on this issue. About 75% know that the term "separation of church and state" does not exist in our founding documents, but nearly 70% still do not think morality can be legislated. And while we refuse to legislate morality, the ungodly legislate immorality in the form of "rights" to abortion and gay marriage!
The spirit of resistance is sadly lacking in our culture. Resistance may take many forms and employ various strategies, but resist we must. We must shake off the lie that Christians and pastors cannot and should not lead in civil government. Who is more qualified to lead than those who know God and His word? When the righteous rule, the people rejoice (see Pr. 29:2)!
Christian, it is time to lead. Political correctness and ignorance of our history will make wussies of us if we are not careful. If we are to reap a harvest of liberty and enjoy the sweet taste of freedom, it is time to plant the seeds of courage and grow some spine in our nation.
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