Articles tagged: constitution
Posted by: Brent James on January 17, 2008 Hot Issues •
For those Americans looking for strong, principled leadership from their representatives, the last couple of years have been quite disappointing. Yes, that goes for leadership from either side of the aisle. Principle is neither a creation nor the property of any political party, but stands alone. Very much alone at the interest of expediency.
The lament: Despite stark differences in their platforms, the Republicans and Democrats have recently shown themselves to govern much the same upon taking office. Maybe that’s why more Americans agree we should decentralize the corrupting power of the federal government. Maybe that’s why Congress’ approval rating is in the tank at 22% (recently at 14%, the lowest since 1973 when this Gallup initiated this measure).
Regarding the issues of the day, why this lack of bold leadership from our elected officials? Because leadership is characterized by wisdom and understanding – both gifts from the Creator to the righteous. Often people of faith liken political involvement to soiling ones clothes and therefore pay it little heed. That is certainly understandable given the current state of affairs in Washington, but government was established by God and has its place in society. It is a vehicle.
Of this vehicle John Adams wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” Those for whom the Constitution was created to govern must undergo a fundamental shift in their thinking as it relates to those who should lead. We can no longer elect unprincipled men to office. It’s just that simple.
I mean really, what do we expect of the wicked? To uphold a righteous standard? That is why God has not asked them to have a purifying influence on society. They can’t. Wholly inadequate.
Job 9:24 states, “When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges.”
Though Thomas Jefferson said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” I was hoping he didn’t mean it would require three to four hours a day. What does it take to vote, 15 minutes? That’s a good start.
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