Fresh off her victory in the Iowa straw poll, presidential candidate Michele Bachmann, appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press this past Sunday, and things got interesting when host David Gregory asked about her faith. Take a look:
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First, honesty compels us to credit Gregory where he’s right: submission is not synonymous with respect. And Bachmann could have answered that question both more logically and more biblically. Far more troubling though, was his questioning about God’s guidance, for he suggested that it would be wrong for Bachmann to ask God to guide her in decision making if she were to become President.
So is it indeed odd for a Christian (as Bachmann professes to be) to speak of God’s guidance in decision making? Is that overly mystical or weird? Not according to Scripture:
–Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
–If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him (James 1:5).
–He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way (Psalm 25:9).
–Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever (Psalm 48:12-14).
–And the Lord will guide you continually… (Isaiah 58:11).
–Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory (Psalm 73:23-24).
–When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come (John 16:13).
We could go on, but you get the idea. God does grant His people wisdom and guidance in decision making, and He expects them to ask Him for help—whether they are auto mechanics, teachers, waiters, stay-at-home moms, or the President of the United States.
But why would a respected journalist suggest that it is wrong for the President to seek God’s guidance? The answer seems to be that he views God’s guidance as either an insufficient or inappropriate basis for governing a nation. A tragic conclusion. Whether or not they vote for Bachmann, if American voters share David Gregory’s view, the country is in trouble. Thankfully, God doesn’t share Gregory’s view.