Christian Consistency

This post is another portion of my upcoming article explaining more fully the impetus for this effort.

Christians can change their minds (in political lingo, “flip-flop”) just as easily, quickly, and drastically as your ordinary unbelieving Joe. In the circumstances of a Christian turning from error, this is an occurrence which calls for rejoicing. But this should not be the norm, especially when pertaining to fundamental precepts and basic moral principles. Paul exhorts Christians that we “are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming…” (Ephesians 4:14) In Romans 12:2, he says to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) We, “with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory…” (2 Corinthians 3:18) We are not to “be conformed to this world,” (Romans 12:2) with all its varying political and philosophical views. Paul warns us, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
As Christians, we are like the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-28). When the storms come, we will stand firm. We built our beliefs, our faith, and our selves on the Rock of the Word (Jesus and the Bible). All others build on sand, so that even if they build the same structure, their edifice will not endure.
Such is the case with Mitt Romney. He has just recently become conservative on some issues, most notably abortion. Is his transformation permanent? Or will he “flip-flop” back again? Will his “house” survive when the storms of activists, arguments, and pressures of public life, political correctness, and principalities persistently lay siege?
To paraphrase little-known presidential candidate Tom Tancredo, I love Road-to-Damascus conversions. But Road-to-the-White-House conversions? Not so much. You simply can't depend upon them to be credible or permanent. It’d be one thing if Romney had converted to Christ (or should I say, a real relationship with Christ). He did not. He’s openly Mormon. His "house" is built on sand. And though he could be conservative the rest of his life, he just as easily could deteriorate into liberalism. Not that Rudy Giulani is standing on any more solid of ground. He can’t digress to pro-choice and pro-gay positions and poor familial relationships—he’s already there.

In the interest of full and honest disclosure, I must confess that I do not know with absolute certainty that any of the Christian presidential candidates are on much firmer of footing. I do not know their hearts. However, by analyzing their actions and statements, I believe that there is a much higher probability that they are.