Several years ago my Member of Par­liament asked the question, "Where are you Christians?" He continued with a plea, "We need your help and support when dealing with these difficult moral issues effectively."

It has taken, what was until a few months ago, a little-known bill, for many Canadians to realize that their freedom to speak out on moral issues in our homes, schools, churches and communities, which we have taken for granted so long, may soon be a thing of the past. Christian Cana­dians are more and more realizing that Sa­tan, through very subtle means, is busy undermining the foundations on which their country was built some 135 years ago. So Christians are now writing letters, organizing protests, speaking up at meet­ings and e-mailing their Members of Par­liament, expressing their concern for the future of their country.

Public Pressure vs. Principles⤒🔗

The bill, known as Bill C-415, was brought forward by MP Svend Robinson, a well-known homosexual member of the New Democratic Party. Robinson would like to expand the Canadian Bill of Rights so that criticism of a homosexual lifestyle would be considered a hate crime. This would obviously have implications for our churches and schools and their freedom to criticize the sinful lifestyles of others. Al­though supporters of the bill are quick to say that exemptions provide specific free­doms for religious groups, recent experi­ences in a number of court cases show that these freedoms exist only in theory and when put into practice in the public do­main, are worth nothing.

The outcries from many Christians have become almost desperate and include pleas for many to become active to force our elected representatives by public pressure through sheer numbers of letters and e-mails to stop the passing of Bill C-415. The means used or the motivation to achieve the goals are hardly given any thought. The only thing that seems to matter is the end — the goal of quashing C-415. But last time I checked, most of us don't believe that the end necessarily justifies the means.

In the past I have seen a call to ac­tion explained under this heading "Strat­egy for Invasion and Conquest." This past summer, when our government made a decision pleasing to Christians, one per­son's response was, "Congratulations on a partial victory! It shows that even the pro-gay Liberal cabinet is susceptible to public pressure!"

Think about it! Do we really want our governments to rule by public pres­sure? Do we really want the decisions made by our governments to be based on a referendum determined by letters and e-mails? If so, you had better realize that we are on slippery ground indeed and surely there will be little hope for the future of our country.

Then What is the Point?←⤒🔗

But I hear someone asking, "What then is the purpose of sending letters and e-mails to our elected representatives if it is not to put pressure on them to sup­port legislation based on Biblical princi­ples and to oppose the damaging forces of individualism and so-called freedoms? Aren't we wasting our time and effort by getting involved in organizations which promote study and action in po­litical matters?" How then do we make our political involvement meaningful and effective?

It Can't Just be About Results←⤒🔗

I will answer those questions by first differentiating between two ways of get­ting involved. The first way is through what I will call ACTIVISM. I define ac­tivism as being results-oriented. If the re­sults of what we do are what we hoped for, we pat ourselves on the back and con­tinue to look for more ways to be suc­cessful. If the results are negative, we are discouraged and blame ourselves and the strategies used. We work harder and longer to improve them. When urging others to get involved we often use mili­tary terms such as "invasion" and "con­quest." Implied is "Here is a plan for war. Go out there and fight. If we all fight long and hard enough, we will win in the end."

The second way of getting involved is what I simply call ACTION. My definition of this word includes a strong emphasis on study and work which is faithfulness ori­ented. Your reason for acting is to be a witness to your Heavenly Father. You do not take credit for a positive outcome but you see this as having come about be­cause God has blessed your efforts. You are not discouraged if the outcome of your action is not what you hoped for but you realize that this outcome is God's will. You have been faithful in promoting what is right and just according to God's law and you realize that the outcome is not in your hands. You continue to use the light of God's Word to give direction to others. This type of action does not seek atten­tion for yourself.

Do you see the difference? And do you recognize which individuals and organiza­tions are promoting ACTIVISM and which are encouraging ACTION?

The Starting Point←⤒🔗

I am reminded of the parable of the sower, told by Jesus in the Gospels. The seed was spread faithfully by the farmer, but it fell in four different soils. In some soil the seed was lost right away. Would the re­sults have been better if the farmer had sown more seed? In some soil, the seed grew initially but later the seedlings with­ered. Would the crop have been better if the seed had been of better quality? I don't think so. God prepares the soil to be either ready to grow a good crop or to produce very little. Likewise, it is God who will de­termine whether our governments will pay heed to His call to obey Him or if they will harden their hearts and follow their own selfish pursuits.

The starting point for effective political and social action has to do with yourself. Are you living as a faithful Christian? Can others around you see and hear that from your words and actions? Pray for faithful­ness, for strength and wisdom. Be thorough in your preparation for action. Then write your letters, send your e-mails and ask your questions. But do so in a friendly and re­spectful manner. Christ taught with pa­tience and humility. Let us do likewise, knowing that our faithful activity is never in vain. Pray that your work may bear fruit but do not give up when the result is not what you hoped for. Keep promoting what is right, knowing that God controls even the power of the rulers and kings of the earth (Psalm 2).

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who finds great delight in his commands...
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright...
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.Psalm 12:1, 4, 7