Dear Trekker,
As we face probably the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes, albeit on the eve of a national election, let’s walk into the political pond and wade through some principles and realities in light of Biblical truth.
Not losing one’s “start point” in any endeavor, is always key. The following metaphor is apropos: if one jumps off a tall building (and in real life we are each ordinary men, not superman), one might think he was flying through space, until he hits ground! Sudden “stops” have a way of changing one’s perspective and righting reality. And I have learned over the years that God orders our stops as well as our starts.
Now, trekker, an economist, I am not. However, there are fundamentals to be recognized even by the neophyte! Our system of economic maintenance and growth, called free enterprise or capitalism, has at its root the core seed of individual incentive and accountability. If you don’t work, you don’t eat. One saves, loans, and the recipient must pay the debt. There is no free lunch! Get away from the basics of economics through reckless lending and borrowing and someone will be left holding the bag. Should government be left “holding the bag” for our ill-conceived economic forays, let alone our complicity and greed?
The economic mess of the day is a significant starting point. What is the purpose of government in a fallen world? If the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, what is government’s role in creating, maintaining, regulating or distributing the wealth that originates in the hands of individuals? (Remember… the government has nothing that it has not first received (or taken) from the people.) Are issues more important than the character of the persons we elect to bring about the progress we need? (Note I didn’t say “change”. Trekker, change and progress are two different species.) What are the qualifications of those we elect to lead toward the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for the people? In essence, how ought we make decisions when we vote?
As I have studied the Scriptures, I believe the basis of the political equation begins with the realities of the earliest of man’s challenges. Ever wonder why politics and religion are verboten discussion topics in social settings? Not hard… personal responsibilities for both are tough to accept and act upon. When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s complicity, a desired relationship (with God) was fractured. Alienation and loneliness resulted. Such sin, somehow, was passed on to their sons, Cain and Abel. Both young men suffered aloneness as did their parents. How could they regain God’s favor? Cain’s efforts did not please God; Abel’s did. Cain was downcast, his sin he could not control, so in frustration he killed his brother. When queried by God, he exclaimed, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Often we too respond by question what is obvious in reality.) Cain was intended to live in relationship with God, his parents, and his brother, not take matters in his own hands. (Read Genesis 4. There is so much fundamental-to-life Truth here, too significant to pass up.)
How we personally, communally and culturally live out the innate requirement to relate harmoniously together: justice, domestic peace, common defense, general welfare, and liberty, is our response to the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Always, sin must be dealt with because it separates us from God and from each other. Since creations of man cannot get us back to God, government and religious faith work best interdependently. And a major function of government becomes regulating our secular relationships in such a way that our sin does not consume us… that we can achieve a modicum of tranquility through just guidelines we call laws; that we can defend what we believe from outside predators, and hope the general welfare can grow and prosper, hence “progress”.
Government can only do certain things. It is neither a spiritual nor secular messiah. Individual responsibility must always be paramount. Hence, John F. Kennedy’s right-on appeal: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Responsible citizenship in a country like ours necessitates voting. Enlightened voting rests on knowledge and grappling with the issues and the character and qualifications of the candidates who will carry out the solutions for legitimate government challenges. Issues can be no more important than the qualifications of the candidates, and vise versa. Trekker, how we execute our citizenship in the body politic means everything to government and life. In this age of hyper-community and a transparent world, the how matters more than ever. And how effectively we can lead is basically determined by character and ability, not the color of skin, or similar irrelevancies.
In an election, issues are important but no single issue ever supersedes the character of the nominee. Some pretty good guidelines were given by Moses’s father-in-law, Jethro, centuries ago: “men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain.” Only trustworthy and capable men (or women) can carry out workable and practical solutions for governing ourselves. And he or she who cannot govern themselves and their own selfish ambitions can surely not govern others successfully. Character counts!
National elections are always a litmus test for a culture. We say issues count, and they do. For whom we vote reminds me of why we buy the house we live in. We vote likes and dislikes, emotions, not careful analysis of pros and cons. Is it not true? But if you like the house because it looks nice, you’d better inspect it first. If we like a candidate because of outward appearances or we “feel good” about them, better get underneath their skin. (Personally, I am appalled at the failure of all media in this year’s Presidential campaign to reveal adequately and dispassionately the backgrounds of the candidates.)
Woe to any country if citizens vote for or against any candidate based on superficial characteristics, vice character and demonstrated ability to lead. A life threatening national price may have to be paid.
Trekker, perspective defines reality. Know there is no ultimate security in this life apart from Jesus providing for all our needs. (Read Math 6:25-34, a goldmine of relevant Truth.) You too can be your brothers’ keeper! And we will all do it better when kept by the Lifegiver, Jesus Himself. Government cannot compensate for (or correct) our personal failure to allow Him to do so.
Vote consciously, courageously, and conscientiously.
Your friendly trekker,
Jim Meredith