Most Solemn Trusts in Human Society

By
Pastor Tim Throckmorton
I grew up in a family where political conversation was always at a premium; from
Nixon and Watergate to Carter and the Iranian crisis. Then something wonderful
happened about the time I was graduating High School when along comes a fellow
by the name of Ronald Reagan. I felt safe, I felt secure and my hopes for the future
as bright as the sunrise when I got married. A career and family were the focus in
the years that followed and though the leadership of our nation soon began to take
a turn for the worse in the 1990s, I still stayed somewhat informed but not
involved. Fast forward to 2004 where I found myself pastoring a small church in
southern Ohio after a 20 year career in retail management and though the nations
journey had taken on a number of challenges at home and abroad I was
comfortable with my view from a distance. 2004 in the state of Ohio brought the
voters a ballot issue however that not only called me to involvement but changed
the way I view my role as a Pastor in the United States of America. It was issue 1
on the ballot and what was at stake was the definition of marriage. Churches
throughout the state were mobilized and engaged primarily because of the efforts
of one man, Phil Burress, the president of Citizens for Community Values based in
Cincinnati Ohio. He led the charge along with volunteers from all over the state
and I was swept up in involvement from getting the word out, to attending rallies;
from special planning meetings to handing out and collecting the petitions. What
happened in November of 2004 should be clearly defined as the benchmark of
what can and should actually happen through the grassroots efforts of citizens of a
state that are engaged and involved and the pastors and churches of the land come
together in a concerted effort and stand for biblical principle. I have always likened
the experience I personally had to what it must have been like in the days of
Nehemiah when the trumpet of warning would sound in Jerusalem and the people,
all the people would rally together, focused and connected for one purpose
defending righteousness! The historical facts will always stand in contrast to the
advice of political pundits and strategists alike who say often, It cant be done this
way. Since the election of Abraham Lincoln no Republican has ever won Ohio
without the support of two of the three major cities Columbus, Cleveland and
Cincinnati. In 2004 President George W. Bush lost all three but won Ohio handily
because of the record setting turnout of God fearing Bible believing Ohioans who
came to the polls and voted their biblical values. This I believe underscores the
intention our founders had as they gave to us not only their example but their
words emphasizing that its more than just a right, but a right given to us by God
who they understood to be an indispensible part of the revolution. Founding Father

Samuel Adams said, Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his
vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual - or at
least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn
trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.
Noah Webster when talking about this right gave this advice, In selecting men for
office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination
of the candidate, look to his character Daniel Webster reminds us of the influence
we should have on our children who will follow in our footsteps, Impress upon
children the truth that the exercise of the elective franchise is a social duty as
solemn a nature as man can be called to perform; that a man may not innocently
trifle with his vote; that every elector is a trustee as well for others as himself and
that every measure he supports has an important bearing on the interests of others
as well as on his own. I would love to continue the narrative and share that
everything stayed intact and the cooperation and networking put in place continued
to be a strong influence in the state. Heres where I appropriately insert the wisdom
of an incredibly influential voice from the past Rev. Jerry Falwell who said, The
problem with Christians is that when they win, they quit.
Now allow me to fast forward once again to the year 2011 when we as a nation
again found ourselves in dire straits politically, financially and in just about every
other avenue of daily life. The battle for Faith, Family and Religious Freedom was
increasing daily and I received a phone call from a welcome voice, a trusted friend
and former Ohio State Legislator. Under his influence I soon found myself
gathering with a handful of Pastors and leaders who were not only Kingdom
thinkers but dedicated to the defense of Faith, Family and Freedom. The plan that
ensued was based on the idea that first, there are 88 counties in Ohio and about
14,000 churches with the larger number who should be interested in the issues at
hand. Certainly we can find 88 Pastors/leaders, one in each county to rise up and
lead. Second, partnering with Citizens For Community Values a network was built
and put in place so that Pastors from all over the state could stay connected,
informed, and if need be mobilized to action for any given need to defend the
biblical values that are under attack. Then 3rdly to encourage, educate resource and
train leaders throughout the state to effectively stay engaged and viable through
events gatherings and training venues. This effort continues and through
partnerships with national organizations such as Family Research Council, Alliance
Defending Freedom, CitizenLink, and others the efforts to continue sharpening,
advancing, and strengthening this network of 88 counties continues to this day.
Pastors and leaders throughout the state are regularly hosting events, sharing
resources and enhancing the efforts of others in the state.
It has always been and will always be that the issue of truth will be starkly
contrasted between the church and the culture. With that being said church leaders

especially today can and must be champions of influence for those God has
entrusted to our spiritual care. The glaring fact that screams to be recognized is that
everyone in every church in America has an understanding of every issue based on
something. The understanding of the sanctity of life, the true and lasting institution
of marriage between one man and one woman and the all important issue of
religious freedom is understood and acted upon by millions of believers in
churches across this land comes from only these sources, the opinions of the world
around them propagated by social media, the main stream media, modern day
academia or it is found by the follower of Christ in the sincere and uncorrupted
influence and teaching of the inspired and unchanging word of God! As President
Ronald Reagan once said, If not us, Then Who? If not now, Then When?
Note on Article:
Christian Citizens United applauds Pastor Throckmorton and the Awaken 88 team
for standing with God and for our nation.