OPINION:
Pastoring a Bible-believing church in California is not easy but I’m surrounded by many good people. We all understand the enormous value of getting the nation back on track, spiritually speaking. Many are not called to flee, but to fight.
California is still a great state. The issues plaguing California are also plaguing the nation. And former President Donald Trump needs to be ready to solve these problems should he win this November.
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Illegal immigration
Everyone agrees that illegal immigration is one of the biggest challenges facing us today. In an attempt to secure more votes, the Democrats have destroyed our nation leaving us wide open for terrorist attacks.
When an airplane loses cabin pressure, parents put on their oxygen masks first so they can then assist their child. This isn’t selfishness; it’s wisdom. In the same way, the president of the United States is to put the safety of the American people first. But the key is striking a balance between security and compassion.
Being from a border state, I’d like to recommend a few things in regard to deportation. I’m not naïve; I know that all ideas have flaws, but we need to begin the conversation so we can hit the ground running in 2025.
1. Use a lie detector and/or AI technology to gauge an individual’s intent and affiliation with known gangs.
2. Determine if it is a family who truly needs assistance or if it is a young man who might pose a security threat.
3. Can they provide three legitimate references, including a church? And are they willing to learn English within two years?
4. There must be a plan in place for employment, not free handouts.
5. Streamline the process of becoming a citizen for those who are doing it correctly and legally.
6. As a vetting process for some, consider allowing churches to act as sponsors for those who qualify to stay. This would also add an extra layer of accountability and offer a level of hope.
Layers of safety
Adding these layers would not only show compassion (the heart of God), but it would also ease fear. The call for an urgent, massive deportation would cause panic. We must calm the storm before it hits.
Additionally, a compassionate process would extinguish the left’s rhetoric of “Republicans don’t care about people!” Which we know is a complete lie.
Another national crisis: Homelessness
Although it doesn’t affect every state yet, homelessness affects every large city and the continual fallout will be catastrophic.
The Los Angeles Times reported that “California voters approved homelessness funding to the tune of billions of dollars. A new report reveals that for all the money spent, the state just doesn’t have the receipts on what works and what doesn’t.” We seem to have lost the paper trail.
Unlike illegal immigration, we can’t deport but we can import: Import prayer and biblical principles to help the homeless. The reason throwing money at the problem doesn’t work is because the homeless crisis is a spiritual problem — the battle must be fought spiritually.
Living in Los Angeles County, I’ve seen it first-hand: A percentage of the homeless have mental issues, while others truly have no money or resources. The final percentage is addicted to drugs and alcohol.
All three of these issues can be handled with prayer and wisdom, but it must be done at the local, not governmental, level (e.g. boots on the ground).
Inaction is action
Wisdom is needed, as well as security, but a biblical approach is the only solution. Would it be easier for me to simply do nothing? Absolutely. But we are not called to bury our heads in the sand. Again, I’m well aware of the challenges, but we’ll miss 100% of the shots we don’t take.
Someone who also loves America once said: “As long as we have faith in each other, and trust in God, then there is no goal, at all, beyond our reach. There is no dream too large, no task too great.” That was former President Donald J. Trump, in case you didn’t know.
The greatest threat to America
Although securing our borders is important, it pales in comparison to securing our relationship with the Lord. We’ve mocked God’s messengers, despised His Word, and scoffed at His principles and we are reaping the whirlwind. We must return to Him before it’s too late: “Return to Me and I will return to you” – Malachi 3:7.
Like the Founders in their time of crisis, it’s time to call America to a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance. At this stage in the game, this is the best way to divert disaster.
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Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, California, just North of Los Angeles. Shane’s sermons, articles, books, and radio program can all be found at shaneidleman.com or wcfav.org. He is the author of “Feasting & Fasting,” “If My People, Desperate for More of God,” and “Help! I’m Addicted.” Follow him on Facebook at: facebook.com/confusedchurch. You can also follow Pastor Shane on Instagram @shaneidleman and Twitter (X) @IdlemanShane
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