Roadmap to Resistance
How the Church Can Resist the Dismantling of Democracy
I feel the Spirit prompting me to weave more theology into my political analysis. This article is an example. If you’d like to see more, become a paid supporter ASAP.
Can I get Pentecostal for a moment?
A bit Holy Spiritual?
We are not just in a fight over electoral politics.
This is a spiritual battle.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
— Ephesians 6:12
The work of resisting the dismantling of democracy is spiritual work—Holy Spiritual work.
And if we are to do the work of justice as followers of Jesus, then we must do it under the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Manifestations of the Spirit
In 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, we find this powerful truth:
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good...”
The moment you confessed Jesus as your Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit entered your heart and gave you a spiritual gift for the work of justice and the Kingdom.
We don't meditate on that enough.
What a profound and glorious truth: you have been uniquely gifted and equipped for the work God has set out for you.
Every believer who has the Holy Spirit also has a gift of the Spirit.
The work of justice is not reserved for a few specially gifted people—we all have a part in this Holy work.
As 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us:
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
But What About Politics?
Some would say, "Don’t preach about politics in church! Just preach the gospel!"
I’ve heard it. A lot.
Especially when talking about racial justice.
But…
The gospel is good news.
And good news is for people.
And people are deeply affected by policies.
Policies live in the realm of politics.
Therefore, we must not only talk about politics in the church—we must see political injustice as a spiritual issue and use spiritual means to resist it.
Which leads to the crucial question:
What is the manifestation of the Spirit in you? What is your spiritual gift?
I dive deeper into all of this content in episode 4: Roadmap to Resistance. Watch it here…
How Do You Discover Your Spiritual Gift?
Here’s how:
What’s obvious to others?
Sometimes others can see your gift before you can.What patterns emerge in your life?
Notice the activities that keep calling you back.Try a lot of different things.
Discovery often comes through doing, not just introspection.
As the great theologian and Christian mystic, Howard Thurman said:
"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
What energizes you?
How can you turn that passion into action for the common good?
Jesus does not want us performing justice out of duty alone—He calls us to pursue justice from a place of joy.
We need joyful justice-seekers.
The Holy Spirit has given you a gift uniquely fitted to you for the work of justice you are meant to do.
It’s your job to discover it—and then go do it.
For the Common Good
There’s one more critical part:
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Our spiritual gifts are not for personal enrichment.
They are for service.
For the community.
For what is righteous and beneficial for “the least of these.”
We have lost our sense of the common good in this country.
Too many of our leaders seek private privilege instead of public flourishing.
But as Christians gifted by the Holy Spirit, we are called to a higher purpose:
Seeking the common good and using our gifts to build a more just and righteous world.
We are not powerless. We are not abandoned. The Spirit of God is alive in us for this exact moment—so get ready, stay rooted, and get to work.
🚨Final Live Video Study — Tuesday, April 29 at 7 PM ET
Tonight—April 29 at 7 pm ET—is our final live session of the Roadmap to Ruin study series.
It’s been a sacred journey together—and it’s not the end.
You're encouraged to start your own study groups in your churches, small groups, or faith communities.
I’m including a free downloadable study guide below to help you.
🚨Special Announcement (Only at the Live Session)
And—this is just between us—I've got a major announcement to share during our final session. You’ll be the first to hear about how we can continue this journey of justice together.
So join me TONIGHT at 7 pm ET on Zoom.
What’s something you enjoy doing that makes you feel fully alive—and how might God use that for the common good?
We could all use some inspiration. I’ve researched more than 50 different historical figures across more than 400 years of U.S. history. Now I’m sharing that knowledge with you. Get your copy of The Spirit of Justice!
Jemar
Thank you for affirming what has been moving in me. Finding joy in responding to the Spirit and using my gifts to serve in new ways at this time.
Your discernment questions are excellent! I will be using them with people I accompany in spiritual direction and keep referring people to you for guidance.
May Joy and Justice prevail
This is a great post! It is encouraging to see you draw upon on your theological knowledge as an historian, something you've always done. Jesus said "You are the light of the world." Too often Christ followers are trying to be lights in the church, but that's not where the light is needed. We are already lights. Light needs to shine in darkness. I did a brief talk on this a few days ago.
https://youtu.be/lN5OinENcmg?si=X-
Certainly, everyone's gifts and calling from God vary. But every believer is called to shine their light in such a way to both expose darkness and enlightening people to truth.