America is in desperate need of moral and spiritual renewal. The church must be the instrument of that awakening. We should remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16:

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

God wants to be involved in every dimension of our lives. We cannot separate political issues from spiritual issues. George Washington said in his Farewell Address, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports” (emphasis added). Therefore, we need to look at political engagement and voting as crucial ways in which we can take action to please God.

It is not acceptable for Christians, especially pastors, to hide their faith and commitment to Christ out of fear of opposition. We should expect some will be offended by our light. In fact, if you are a Christian and no one has ever been offended by your stand for Christ, perhaps you are not standing. Stand up. Step up. Speak up. Your family, your community, and your country will be the better for it in the end.

The central figure in American history and the source of our success as a nation is God. He has blessed us beyond measure and beyond what we could ever deserve. We must never forget Him or fail to promote the principles that made our nation possible.

America is at a critical moment in our history. Christians and churches must rise to the call. The church must stand for liberty and truth, just as it did during the Revolutionary War. If we don’t act now, we may look back at this time and discover this is the moment we lost it.

The faith that served as the essential ingredient in the founding of America and its unparalleled success is the same faith that can lead us out of the confusion and decay threatening our continued existence. If we will remember and follow George Washington’s counsel and restore the indispensable supports of religion and morality to their central place in American life, we will secure a bright future and fulfill our national destiny.

E.W. Jackson joins James and Betty this Tuesday and Thursday on LIFE TODAY. Excerpted from Sweet Land of Liberty: Reflections of a Patriot Descended from Slave by E.W. Jackson. Copyright 2023 E.W. Jackson Sr. Published by Fidelis Publishing. Used by permission.