The Cross and the Capitol
This past Saturday, Ruth and I attended the memorial service for a wonderful Christian man and beloved friend. Ruth served with him on the board of Shiloh Christian School here in Bismarck, and we’ve gotten to know him and his wife even better over the years. The church where the service was held happened to be located just south of the State Capitol, and once we sat down, I was immediately drawn to the view through its beautiful windows at the front of the sanctuary. After the service, I took the picture shown above. I think you can guess why this struck me so significantly.
The first thing you notice is that the cross lines up with the Capitol in the background, tall trees notwithstanding. I called the church and they indicated that this was most likely done intentionally, given that their church was built 24 years after the Capitol was built. I also firmly believe that us sitting in that particular spot was truly intentional on God’s part. You see, there are not a lot of seats in the church where the cross lines up perfectly with the Capitol, and we happened to be sitting in one of them. I don’t believe in coincidences.
NDFA has been under serious attack of late from those on the opposite side of our issues. I’ve heard it said that the more of an impact you make, the more opposition you will encounter. This has definitely been true for our organization. Further, the 2023 legislative victories for biblical values we experienced have made us a target for those who hate us. They want to make an example of us. It’s not fun being a target, but my view out that window was speaking to me precisely about that.
It was saying that the cross has the Capitol “covered”. Everything that happens in the Capitol happens because God wills it, whether or not it’s obvious at the moment. Further, I believe it was a reminder that the cross must be closer to us than the public policy we engage in. Our faith must always lead our political work, not the other way around, or even be on equal footing. It’s easy to be focused on the here and now of everyday life, including our political work, but slowly let our faith slip into the background. The tyranny of the urgent is a real thing.
The service for our friend was wonderful. He did amazing things for his family, vocation, and friends during his time here on Earth. However, it was his faith that undergirded everything. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth 'thrown in': aim at Earth and you will get neither.”
Saturday, my thoughts were on the incredible life of our departed friend. Unfortunately, the thoughts of how to protect NDFA and advance its mission were still simmering in the back of my head. Then one of my favorite songs came to mind and reminded me where our focus needs to be.
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ Alone - Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
May we never forget that the cross must stand before us, shaping all of our lives. Whether that is at home, in the office, on a tractor, or interacting with legislators, the cross comes first. I can assure you that at NDFA, our faith will continue to be the foundation upon which all our public policy work is built. I’m just thankful that sometimes when things get difficult, God reminds me of that.