Michael Youssef - Is Unity Possible?
Jane Robelot: Dr. Michael Youssef is uniquely qualified to address Christians' concerns about government and their role in politics. He grew up under a socialist dictatorship in Egypt, he became an American citizen, he's traveled the world and met with heads of state, he leads an international ministry and pastors individuals and families in a local church. Today we conclude our series of discussions with Dr. Youssef, a biblical worldview on government. So, Dr. Youssef, it seems that every election voters hear that this is one of the most important elections ever, and then we hear that the outcome will change the country forever. But from your perspective, is that true? Or is that election hype?
Dr. Michael Youssef: I don't know. I really do not know, Jane, how to answer that except I can tell you this: that we have seen just recently the animosity and the hatred at the highest level I've ever seen it. And I think that's why you are hearing more and more people saying this election is very important, and I believe it is.
Jane Robelot: So, should Christians take into account a candidate's own religious views when they're deciding who they're gonna vote for?
Dr. Michael Youssef: I'm glad you asked that question, Jane. Now, let me tell you, I personally believe that I would rather by good meat from a pagan butcher, than bad meat from a Christian butcher. Let me explain what I mean by this. I would rather vote for a person whose policies are consistent with my biblical worldview than vote for somebody whose views and his policies are contrary to the word of God, no matter how virtuous he claims or she claims may be.
Jane Robelot: Politics can be so divisive, even within one family. So are Christians called to bring about unity?
Dr. Michael Youssef: Well, when you talk about unity, unity in the family and then the church is vitally important. I don't know that we can ever have unity nationally, any country, any nation, and I'll tell you why, because there's good and evil.
Jane Robelot: Sure.
Dr. Michael Youssef: Now, some families that I have met with and counseled with, they have division within the family over politics. That really is dangerous, and families who believe in Jesus, who love the Lord, they need to get on their knees and need to pray and be united, maybe even united in agreeing not to even discuss the issues and just vote whichever way their conscience dictate. But I think families are divided right now, and they shouldn't be. That's an issue, an area that we need to be praying for families and encouraging families to unite. It's very important.
Jane Robelot: Dr. Youssef, would you like to close us out with a prayer for the nation?
Dr. Michael Youssef: Lord Jesus Christ, it is your sovereign hand that have raised this great nation and that you brought faithful people who have been persecuted for their faith across the ocean. And when they arrived here, they sought to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every one of their documents is based on the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But like Israel of old, after they were saved from the slavery of Egypt, they began to worship idols and depart from you. This nation has departed, they're departing from you, but I thank you for all the faithful remnant out here who are praying, who are seeking you with all of their heart. Father, I unite with them in praying that you would bring peace to our nation, then that you will bring joy to our nation, that you would take that division and the cause of it and so that we would live peaceably with one another even though we may disagree politically. And father, I pray for America. I pray bless America, but more importantly, save America. For father, I pray this in Jesus's name, amen.
Jane Robelot: Dr. Michael Youssef, thank you for this Biblical worldview on government. And we hope that you were able to benefit from this discussion on nonpartisan biblical perspective on the American political process.