GRACE GIVING: Gov. Perry urges Baptists to speak truth in public square

AUSTIN–In a visit to the ninth Southern Baptists of Texas Convention annual meeting, newly re-elected Texas Gov. Rick Perry urged Baptists to take a stand in the public square for faith and God’s eternal truths. Speaking from the pulpit of Great Hills Baptist Church Nov. 14, Perry shared the story of his faith journey, affirmed the pastor’s role and responsibility in society and his own commitment to protect unborn human life.

“I don’t make any bones about it. I’m a Christian,” said Perry, a Methodist and fifth-generation Texan from Paint Creek.

Perry’s walk of faith began in the small town with one school and no post office 60 miles north of Abilene.

“We had a Baptist church on one end of the property and a Methodist church on the other end. So we spent as much time in the Baptist church and Vacation Bible School.”

Perry said he was honored to speak to “men and women who are dedicated to building a better Texas and dedicated to the faith.”

“My walk of faith started a long time ago and is substantially a more important journey [than the one] I made from that little place in Paint Creek that has taken me to the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, Texas,” he said. “My walk has taken me to the top of a number of mountains and to the very depths of a few valleys. I’m sure my mama thought I’d never make it out of the shadow of the valley–but by the grace of God here I am, a confessed sinner who has accepted our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Perry was quick to add that although he is a committed Christian, he is a flawed person who still has a lot to learn about faith.

“I’m not going to insult anyone here by saying that I’m an authority on the Christian faith or that I’m deeply versed on the Greek, but I’m an imperfect practitioner of the Christian faith,” he said. “But I do know that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the God that led the Israelites out of Egypt, the God who blinded Saul so he could see as Paul, and who led the early Christians with the power of the Holy Spirit, the God that transcends time and ?history and who has called men and women of his own choosing is alive and well and continues to concern himself with all the issues that go on in the world today. He is alive.”

Perry said while he is thankful to know the Creator God counts every hair on our heads and is familiar with the number of drops of water in the ocean, he finds utmost comfort in the knowledge that God cares for humanity.

“The all-knowing, all-powerful Creator has a specific plan for each one of us–whether you are the child of privilege, whether you are a single mom or a son of two tenant farmers from Paint Creek, Texas–he has a plan for you.”

With a foundation built on faith in God, Perry said he understands the difficulties that arise in living the Christian life.

Acknowledging that “life’s most important battles are not waged in the halls of government; they are waged in the hearts and souls of men and women,” Perry commended Texas pastors and laymen for their call to serve Texas and the world.

“A governor has an important role. We have an important role to play in distributing services to people in need, but you dispense something more important and that is hope–the hope of redemption,” he said to the convention pastors.

Perry said he ran for governor intent on making a profound difference on society and individuals. Recently re-elected with more than 1.7 million votes, Perry garnered roughly 39 percent of the total ballots. Believing voters have confirmed his goals for office, Perry said he desires to make a lasting difference “at such a time as this.”

With spiritual battles ravaging culture and politics, Perry asked if “our children will be drawn to a culture of godlessness and licentiousness, or will we illuminate them with a path” of truth? “Will they be raised by the values taught on television or by the values taught by two loving parents? Will they aspire to hear the praise of men or the words ‘well done, good and faithful servant?’

“I am always intrigued with the debate that rages, and I ask myself if we can so openly talk about the spiritual battles that confront us in the Sunday pulpit, why can we not have the same debate in the public square?”

In finding a public forum for discussion, Perry said one of the greatest lies of all time is the misperception that morality cannot be legislated.

“The fact is, we can’t change people’s values just by passing a law. But to say you can’t legislate morality is to abdicate all responsibility for the laws we do legislate,” he said emphatically. “If you can’t legislate morality, you can neither lock up criminals nor set them free. If you can’t legislate morality, you can neither allow prayer in school nor prevent it. If you cannot legislate morality, you can neither recognize gay marriage nor prevent it. I say you can’t not legislate morality.”

Perry said a larger question looms over the predicament of legislating morality: whose morals will we legislate?

“Some say the people of faith shouldn’t impose their beliefs on society,” he said, noting his critics have used this criticism against him during the recent election. “They claim that is intolerance, but isn’t the act of shutting people of faith out of the public square the very different definition of intolerance?”

In trying to find balance between morality and intolerance, Perry acknowledged that today’s culture is pluralistic in nature and that the government should not endorse a particular view. But the governor also said “freedom of religion should not be confused with freedom from religion.”

“What a sad day it will be when the role of faith in the public squire is limited to a few monuments and symbols while the laws of God are on assault,” Perry said. “That’s a sad day if it were to become a reality.”

In looking at the laws of God that should be protected, Perry reaffirmed his commitment to the sanctity of life.

“One of those eternal truths is the idea that human life is sacred and should always be protected by the laws of this state and this nation,” he said, receiving a standing ovation from convention messengers. “Today, that truth is under assault by the decision made by the highest court in our system. The most vulnerable are to be taken from us before they are ever born.”

Quoting Jeremiah 1:5, Perry said God’s Word reveals a Creator “who had plans for our lives—who has plans for all of mankind—long before we were ever even conceived. I can only imagine the great sorrow that God feels for the lives of purpose who are lost to the tragedy of abortion.”

While it is true that not every child is born into ideal circumstances, Perry said there is no such thing as an unwanted child.

“God calls people of all circumstances. Look at Moses floating along in that basket by the river. He was condemned by an edict by Pharaoh that all Hebrew baby boys would be killed. He was the son of a slave. You could argue that Moses was not born into ideal circumstances, but my God works in some mysterious and I would suggest, even humorous, ways. This 3-month-old outlaw was rescued by the daughter of the man who sought his death—raised all on Pharaoh’s credit card,” Perry said with a smile.

With so many parents vying for adoption, Perry said God is a loving Creator who not only gives life, but also provides a clear purpose for those lives. With the lives of society’s most vulnerable at stake, Perry wondered how people of faith can abstain from entering the public square.

“How can you be silent when those without a voice need a chance?” asked Perry, who signed a bill last year limiting late-term abortions and requiring girls under the age of 18 to obtain parental permission for the procedure.

“How can you turn your back on policies that trap the very people that they are supposed to help? A government’s compassion shouldn’t be at odds with wisdom.”

Perry said his role as governor gives him an unusual perspective on Christian social responsibility.

“I want to lead this state with an inclusive agenda that lifts all people up,” he said. “People of faith mustn’t be lulled into complacency. You need to be empowered for your faith to change the face of our state and nation.

With the danger of indifference lurking in our hearts, the governor encouraged Texas Southern Baptists to speak up for truth and faith.

“I stand before you today one flawed human being who God has given a great opportunity to make a difference. But I want to be real up front with you. It is not about me. With all due respect, it isn’t about you either,” Perry said. “Whether we get the credit it is irrelevant, as long as God gets the glory. If we will take an unshakeable stand and build on the solid rock, then we can make a huge difference. But we must speak the truth and act decisively in the public square.”