Governmental Waste

The highest test of a civilization is its willingness to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Like an individual, it lifts itself up by lifting others up.

Booker T. Washington

Read

Let's look at Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 today. Write a sentence long summary of what Solomon is saying. Do you know anyone in this situation? When was the last time you were frustrated at the oppression of the poor?

Think

It is easy to place blame on governments for the oppression of the poor. It's easy to be angry at
corrupt and powerful politicians for the plight of those less fortunate than us. And that anger is justified. But why are we surprised? Power has always had a corrupting influence, and it is the rare and special person who is not affected.

When we hear of governments skimming relief aid and taking bribes from large companies, and when we see the oppression and genocide that runs rampant throughout the world, and we feel the white hot flames of social justice rising in our cheeks, let's remember that these atrocities are not new, and let's temper our outcry with what Paul tells us in Romans:

Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Romans 13:1-7

But never, never expect utopia to come to a Capitol near you. Heaven on earth cannot be established at the ballot box, but only through the hearts of men. One day we will see the descent of the New Jerusalem, and there will be at last, one Governor before whom we'll bow, with no more use for intermediaries; one Party to serve, with no more use for debate or dissention; one Lord, one faith, one baptism into the world that has always been our destiny as His divine constituency.

David Jeremiah, Searching for Heaven on Earth

Pray

Make it a point this week to pray for the oppressed, that they will find relief from their trouble, and that you might be an agent for that relief in some way. While you do that, pray that you would be willing to submit to and show appropriate respect for those in governmental positions.

Do

As you watch the news, read the paper, and talk to friends about the world situation this week, make it a point to speak respectfully of those in governmental positions, and look for ways that you can personally be involved in caring for those who are oppressed by powerful people.