Gov. Northam Got Something Right
Recently, Governor Ralph Northam said something truly profound, whether or not he comprehended the full implications of his statement when he spoke it.
In essence, Governor Northam declared to all Virginians that worshiping God and participating in church activities is not about where you are, but where God is and what the intention of your heart is when engaging in the activity.
I must say, the Governor has gotten that right, which doesn’t happen often these days. So, credit where credit is due.
Ironically, though, Northam made his statement in the context of explaining his latest Executive Order (EO-72), in which he was actually seeking to discourage churches from meeting together. In addressing church gatherings, he said:
“[W]e need to think about what is truly the most important thing. Is it the worship or the building? For me, God is wherever you are. You don’t have to sit in the church pew for God to hear your prayers.” He continued, “Worship with a mask on is still worship. Worship outside or worship online is still worship.”
He then called on faith leaders to “lead the way and set an example.”
While I don’t necessarily agree with the application of Northam’s point, in that I still think it’s important for people of faith to gather together in person when feasible (Consider Hebrews 10:25 - “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another[.]” NLT), I really like the logic of his point.
For those who worship God, worship is a way of life – not just an action once a week in a wooden pew. And it’s not limited by space, or time, or context because – as Northam points out – God is everywhere and He’s always with us. Hence, our religious freedom cannot be reduced to what we do on Sunday/Saturday mornings. It’s something that people of sincere faith carry with them into every sphere and every relationship.
I agree with Governor Northam on his last point, too. We desperately need faith leaders to lead the way on this and to set an example for all of what it means to worship God wherever you are and in whatever you’re doing. As Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men.”
But we also need, at a minimum, for the government not to punish people of faith when they carry out that sacred charge. Hopefully, Governor Northam and Virginia’s new Democrat majority will see the logic of his words, and decide to protect religious liberty instead of constantly attacking it.
