Lunch With The Governor

Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Yesterday afternoon, August 19, 2008, I along with my wife and daughter-in-law, had the privilege of sharing lunch with the governor of Indiana, the honorable Mitch Daniels. This was not my first encounter with our governor, but it certainly was one of a different kind. “Religious leaders” from all over our state were invited to attend the luncheon. I went mostly out of a desire to speak to someone about the awful way our church has been treated by local county officials concerning our building program. I did make contact with a man on the governor’s staff who expressed a great desire to get involved and at least give us a less one-sided hearing. However, I came away with much more.

I have often heard it said that religion and politics make strange bedfellows. And I agree. Politics makes no room for God for it seeks to rule for its own glory. God will not share His glory with anyone or any institution. Contrariwise, government must be tempered with a strong faith in God in order to function as it was designed and as it should. Truly our founding fathers realized this and had a great desire for God’s blessings upon America.

Yesterday I listened as Governor Daniels expressed his personal faith. He is Presbyterian by denomination and I cannot say if he is trusting in his works, his church, or in the Lord Jesus Christ. But he did make mention several times of being a fallen sinner (his words) in need of forgiveness. I saw his frustration as he explained that politics would not allow him to inject his personal faith into his job as a public servant. I understand that and appreciate it because I do not want to be told that I must be a Presbyterian. However, he did get something very right in his speech. He explained that while he could not run a Presbyterian administration it was his job to protect religious freedom in our state. I wish more of our elected officials held the same sense of responsibility.

I am a Baptist! I am a King James Bible believing Baptist. I believe that the Word of God is the pure, undefiled, preserved revelation of God for us to follow and practice in all matters of faith and living. I wish Governor Daniels held the same beliefs, but on those matters we differ. I am glad, however, that he is willing to stand for my rights as a citizen to practice my faith and it is his responsibility to see nothing hinders the citizens of this state from doing just that.

Thanks for lunch, Governor. And thanks for your stand on religious freedom.