By CHEC Legislative Liaison Carolyn Martin

The Colorado Prayer Caucus, led by Beth Folsum, held a Prayer Rally last week at the Capitol. In attendance were many legislators, pastors, and concerned citizens. We worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ, read His Word, and prayed for our nation, our state, and our leaders.

One of the scripture passages read at the gathering struck me: Romans 13:11-14. Reading it in the Amplified Version brought it even closer to home.

“Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ]. The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy. But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires” (Romans 13:11-14 AMP, emphasis mine).

The leaders that we prayed will stand on the Word of God are as human as we are. They are tempted daily to compromise to worldly ideas, to justify themselves before a holy God, and to take the easy way in order to gain stature, human praise, and self-glory. Our prayers and encouragement to continue to “fling away the works of darkness and put on the full armor of light” are desperately needed. Just as Moses needed the strength of Aaron to continue to lift his hands, our leaders need our strength.

Though the session has just begun, I see weariness in the eyes of some who have fought the fight for many years without any headway. If you believe, like I do, that the Lord is not done with our state or our country, then would you shine the light of Christ in the darkness by bringing a freshness that lightens their load? Send a note, make a phone call, or stop by their office – it will bring light and life to them.

Where We Stand

As the session begins, the battle lines have been drawn. Though some call for unity, they also ask for the compromising of fundamental values, principles, and rights in order to attain it. The Speaker of the House spoke about inclusiveness being a fundamental tenet: “if we normalize language and behavior that is simply not normal – if we do not call out hate and racism when we see it – if we do not defend our foundational values – well then, our democracy itself is at risk.” While I do agree with most of her statement, I know that we are not pouring the same meaning into the words she spoke.

“Inclusiveness” includes Christianity only if we conform. “Normal” does not include the standards of behavior laid out in the Word of God. And I am not sure how she would define “foundational values,” but I am fairly confident they do not come from the Declaration of Independence.

The Minority Leader in the House took a different approach. The definitive statement from his speech was, “I will support government when it promotes freedom and justice, and I will oppose it when it stands in the way and makes the life of an individual, a family, or a business more difficult. Government serves very important roles, but it is inherently intrusive and consumptive.” The President of the Senate harkened back to the founding of our country and our state to remind us where the authority for the government of Colorado lies by stating, “We the people. Not this legislature. Not the executive or judicial branches, but we the people.”

Unless “we the people” rise to break through the hardened battle lines, many good bills that lessen the burdens on us or strengthen our God-given rights will not survive while those that achieve the opposite become law.

For example, on January 25th, the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee will hear testimony on HB17-1013, Free Exercise of Religion.

This committee is where the majority party sends bills to die. We could choose to accept the inevitable, or we could make the truth known and trust God for the outcome. Making the truth known is never an empty action. Let’s flood the Capitol in support of this bill – pray, write, call, and/or show up at the committee meeting. The body of Christ can make a difference! Email me at carolyn@chec.org if you have any questions.

Find Committee Members Here

How You Can Help

Walking the path of truth can be a lonely journey, but with volunteers like Lori and Angela, who joined me at the Capitol last week, the work becomes lighter and the load much easier. Thank you! I hope to see more of you at the Capitol this session. If you want to meet your representative or come up to the Capitol – let me know!

Don’t forget to join CHEC at Day at the Capitol on April 7th! Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore will be the keynote speaker. Registration is opening soon!

Trusting in the mighty power and grace of Jesus,
Carolyn Martin, CHEC Legislative Liaison

About the Author: Carolyn Martin

Carolyn Martin serves as CHEC’s Homeschool Legislative Liaison, working for you and other liberty-loving families to protect homeschool freedom, parental rights, and religious liberty at the state capitol. Subscribe to the CHEC blog for Carolyn’s regular updates here, learn more about legal issues in Colorado here, and donate to support Homeschool Freedom here. Contact Carolyn directly at carolyn@chec.org.