How to Handle Politics and Government
It is apparent that our fair country is
nowhere near solving our national problems at either the federal,
state or local level. There are so many obvious problems that to
attempt to list the top ten would be an exercise in futility. This
is deeply disappointing to many people, who hoped that by means of
elections last fall problems would begin to be solved and positive
productive action would be a reality.
You may recall this famous anecdote: A
lady asked Dr. (Benjamin) Franklin after the 1787 Constitutional
Convention, “Well, Doctor what have we got a republic or a
monarchy?” “A republic,” replied the Doctor, “if you can
keep it.”
What does this mean, to “keep” the
Republic? Does it mean to adhere to it's founding documents and
principles, or does it mean to continually adapt it to meet current
“felt needs?” Or is it some of both? Or does it mean we need
judges to make our laws from courtrooms?
The problem with politics and
government is that it involves people. People tend to be sinners or
saints, or by practical estimate somewhere in between the two all the
time.
John Adams once told a military
audience "We have no government armed with power
capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and
religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and
religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any
other."
So are morals important
for politicians, judges, government employees, for citizens and those
who vote and have opinions on how our city, county, state or nation
is governed?
When we have frustrations
with the words, actions, or even opinions of others, we might
consider the morality of the source. And most importantly of all, we
must always consider our own morality. When we are thinking,
speaking, acting, or sharing an opinion or viewpoint--- are we
reflecting what we believe to be moral, both within and without our
own self?
Apparently many only
consider others, while they exempt themselves from careful moral
examination. Many of these claim to be the most moral people of all.
So what is the solution to
the moral crisis in which we live?
As you might imagine, I
strongly suggest repentance and faith in God through the Lord Jesus
Christ. This requires a humility, a submission, a willing awareness
of ones own need for God. It will lead to the dependence upon God
for which we are created, and a reliance on the Spirit for peace,
love, joy, hope and faith that no circumstance, or problem of
politics or government, can take away. This love will lead us to
consider other's needs as more important than our own, and will help
us to see more clearly the world around us as God sees it.
While we may still be
upset, irritated, or incredulous at the world in which we live, and
which our children will inherit, we can still even then rely on the
Spirit to lead and guide us as to how we respond.
What is God calling you to
do to help “keep” the republic? How can you leave your concern
and frustration behind, and help others to join you in making the
world a better place?
Psalm 33:12 KJV “Blessed
is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath
chosen for his own inheritance.”
