I know this post isn’t going to be popular.

This is going to be controversial. It might get me in trouble. I might lose a few friends and/or followers. And who knows? I might even gain an enemy or two. But, regardless of the consequences, I feel I need to write this. I feel I need to speak out.

Before I dive into the heart of this post, I want to go ahead and address some of the arguments I know will show up in the comments section…

In recent years, many scholars, typically those left-of-center, have argued that Leviticus is no longer relevant to the faith of a contemporary Christian. While I agree that there are portions that no longer apply — things like restrictions on eating shellfish, trimming beards, wearing poly-cotton blends, and even getting tattoos — I also believe that there are portions — things validated by New Testament speakers and writers (like Jesus and Paul) — that matter more than ever. Reformed pastor and writer for The Gospel Coalition, when speaking of Leviticus, says it best…

And to live in that framework, according to those rules, will, on the whole, mean a better life for you. While living outside that framework, against those rules, will, on the whole, mean pain for you.

In other words, Leviticus is still important.

I also know some will argue that I am out of touch, that my interpretation of the text does not take into consideration the current state of our country. Look, I know this view — my view — stands in opposition to many of our laws and lawmakers. I know acting on this part of God’s Word would upset many. Some would argue that it isn’t fair, that it takes rights from some and gives rights to others. I get it. I know this would be unpopular.

But God hasn’t called us to do what is popular; he has called us to do what is right. Didn’t Jesus say that the world would hate us? Following God invites persecution. But, as Paul wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” Christians are supposed to be counter-cultural, even if it gets us labeled as “out of touch”.

I truly believe our nation is at a defining moment. The decision we make in the near future will determine if we have a future. It is up to us. We can either stand up and do what is commanded in Scripture (even Leviticus) or we can turn our backs on God and walk away from his protection.

We can no longer allow godless politicians to redefine what God has already defined. We have to accept God’s guidelines — the boundaries God established — no matter what the President or the Supreme Court establishes. We live by the Bible, not the Constitution. The law of the land cannot and should not overrule the law of God.

I often hear Christians quote 2 Chronicles 7:14 when talking about the future of our nation. It states…

…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

If we are not willing to turn from our wicked ways, we are hopeless. If we want God’s blessing — God’s forgiveness and healing — we must seek him. And seeking him means following his commands.

So as we continue to make our way through this election season, as we elect the next President — the person who will appoint the next Supreme Court justice(s) — we must ask ourselves the difficult question, “Are we willing to stand up for God’s Word even when it isn’t politically correct to do so?”

If you answered yes, please join me in meditating on these verses in Leviticus and the future of our nation. Pray God gives us the strength to condemn sin and condone righteousness, even if it requires breaking the law. Pray he gives us the grace to love those who disagree and those who live outside of what God clearly commands in Leviticus 19:33–34…