Power and Money, and The Politics of Personal Responsibility

Perhaps I am naive, but I have been a steadfast supporter of “the system”, believing that, ultimately, our government, “of the people, by the people, and for the people”, is a righteous endeavor begun by our nation’s founding fathers.

I believe it started out that way. Sure, there were those self-serving supporters of the independence movement who were only concerned about their bank account. The intent, however, by those who first landed on our shores, was to practice their own faith, not the King’s.

Some greedy capitalists, may have joined the New World venture for less than spiritual reasons, even so, the original settlers crossed the Atlantic with pure intentions.

Power and money. Whether or not a particular cause is genuine or a candidate is, “the real deal,” power and money will work its way into “the system.”

Neither money nor power is inherently evil. Some may believe they are “necessary evils.” Both are necessary indeed. One needs money to fund projects and interests…and campaigns. A “chain of command,” is required to keep things in order.

Ecclesiastes 5:8 says, “If you see the oppression of the poor and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in the state or province, do not marvel at the matter. [Be sure that there are those who will attend to it] for a higher [official] than the high is observing, and higher ones are over them.” (AMP)

Neither money nor power, however, are necessarily evil. It is the passion for achieving them that brings evil into the picture. Greed and lust for power bring about corruption and mistrust. When pure intentions are begrimed with self-interest, they become evil. The resulting contamination is not exclusive to the national political arena. One can find it from our nation’s capital down to the local schools and little league associations, and yes, even in our neighborhood churches.

Politics play a role in big things like Defense Department funding, as well as small things such as whose child gets the most play-time on the soccer or baseball fields. One can even find politics in school lunchrooms.

Case in point: There has been a sharp increase in child obesity. The First Lady introduced, “Let’s Move!” to address the problem. Enter the School Nutrition Association, the lobbyists, the “lunch ladies,” and the food suppliers. Politics slips into it because few people like change–and many don’t like their jobs becoming more challenging. Even fewer want to see their revenue decrease.

The concerns over the growing population of overweight people at risk of diabetes and other health problems are legitimate. Education is definitely in order. Parental and personal responsibility is necessary. Governmental diet dictatorship is not the answer.

We need to seriously consider the personal decisions we make in our lives. We must accept responsibility for them. This is the land of liberty. If however, our poor decisions are detrimental to our health, relationships, finances and future, we must be prepared to face the potential consequences they bring.

Personal responsibility is not limited to the decisions that affect our earthly lives. God educates us through His Holy Word. He lovingly warns us of eternal consequences and gives us the freedom to make our own choices.

God made all things. He made all things for Himself. It was right for God to make Jesus a perfect Leader by having Him suffer for men’s sins. In this way, He is bringing many men to share His shining-greatness. (Hebrews 2:10, NLV)

In choosing to honor God with our lives, we commit everything to Him. Spiritually, we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Physically, we treat our bodies as His temple. Materially, we acknowledge that every blessing is from His hand. Relationally, we live humbly, serve others, and seek to lift up the name of Jesus, rather than our own.

Have you considered the choices you’ve been making? Have you accepted Jesus’ free gift of salvation? Are you resisting God’s call to a deeper relationship?

Alone we will stand before God and account for our choices. Our Heavenly Father is the One with the power–and He does not play politics.

Jesus will be my advocate. Will He be yours?