God and government

Once abolish the God and the government becomes the God -- G.K. Chesterton

In a world seemingly dominated by pragmatism and illogical thinking, the search for hope in many areas of life becomes more and more simplistic for many individuals. They search for hope in many places and institutions, thinking that somewhere along the road they many stumble upon someone or something that gives their life meaning or value. For those who are poor and destitute it could be anything from a simple meal to a dry bed, for the middle class it might be a nice home, car or secure employment and for the wealthy a high six figure salary or a vacation home far from the worries of every day life. All of these mentioned are examples of how God and His Word has been pushed aside by people of all colors and societal levels in favor of immediate or instant gratification, and an embracing of what the world has to offer over the gift of eternity in fellowship with a Holy God.

Another example in America today of how people are seeking refuge in other places besides the Gospel, is the overwhelming growth in our government being allowed by the great citizens of this country. Now, I know that there are many who are beginning to see the dangers of this colossal mistake, but the true foundation of this problem was laid down many years ago and has been slowly progressing ever since. This is not to in any way link faith in God to the need for a small central government, but, however, I do want to make the case that a true faith in God assures us that we then have no need for a large, authoritarian government that scrutinizes our every move.

Above is a quote from G.K. Chesterton that ascertains that once God has been removed from public thought government becomes something of a god to many individuals, because there is essentially nothing left to give them the care and protection that they know they need. To me this is a horrendous thought. If we have learned anything as a country in the last 233 years since we declared our independence it is that man universally is flawed in both his character and his conduct. And if we begin to hang our hopes and desires upon any leader we will certainly have our hearts dashed on the rocks of reality. Governments fall, men sin and those who have blindly followed their direction will be tossed aside.

The Christian today faces an incredible battle against public opinion and a post-modern mind-set. These two things are in direct contrast to what the Christian knows to be true, yet the feeling of exclusivity scares him to the point of being enveloped by the whims of main-stream thinking. What the Christian must do is unshackle himself from the chains of an idealitic fallacy, and cling to what he knows will ultimately lead to his rescue.

The Christian today must no longer see government as an institution that works to accomplish his betterment, but as an entity established by God to teach us our need for protection and the importance of following the rule of law. Not in a salvivic since or legalistic since, but knowing that as we follow the law we do so with the intent of Glorifying God for His willingness to protect us through any means possible for the time being.

The culmination of our Great Salvation will not come through an utopian society established by any human creation, but by the glorious return of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ. In him we place all of our hope and faith. In Him we place our security and need for protection. In Him we place our care and concerns both physically and spirtually. We know that the Kingdom of God is here in part and one day will be here in full, but while we wait we do so patiently and wisely not allowing ourselves to be fooled by the folly of man nor the guise of the devil in giving us empty promises or false hopes. We must and are established in Christ chosen in Him before the foundations of world, built up through His Spirit and grounded in His Word. Let us never forsake the promises of Sacred Scripture for the futility of vain earthly pledges.