June 8, 1999
Law-abiding citizens have a great deal to think about in Canada. One law passed saying we must use metric measurements, despite boxes full of petitions against it. Others protested the laws that adopted and enforce bilingualism. While not too many folks wanted the Goods and Services Tax, yet another law put it in place and made it part of our lives.
Years ago, a law legalized abortion. More recently, the Supreme Court changed the legal definition of spouse so the law, at least in Ontario, seems to allow same sex “marriages.” At the moment, lawmakers are debating another law that will allow marijuana for medicinal use. In another realm, school boards wonder if mandatory uniforms will reduce violence in Edmonton schools. Law changes how life in Canada is defined.
Making sensible law is a complex matter yet some laws seem more complex than sensible. A local city ordinance says an independent taxi driver cannot choose the color of his car. More serious are gun registration regulations. While ordinary citizens must register their target and hunting rifles, criminals just laugh at this law.
Old Testament Israel lived under the laws given by God. Some were ceremonial, related to their worship practices. Other laws governed civil issues and the relationships of people to each other in their community. Specific punishments were included. Law and keeping the law were as important in old Israel as they are here. Without law, we would be without a compass. Without law-enforcement, anarchy would tear us apart.
However, in some ways, these ancient people were not like Canadians. They were one ethnic group with one language and one religion while Canada tags itself as multicultural. Their laws had one source in that God gave them the Ten Commandments as well as all other law. If anyone took issue, He was their only recourse. In Canada, law is established at many levels and has many levels of appeal.
When Israel refused to involve God in their legislation and law-enforcement, or when they disobeyed His laws, the consequences were sharply different than they are for us. God’s justice was swift even though He could also be petitioned and would give forgiveness and pardon.
God handled law differently than our lawmakers. Although His laws governed the nation, He considered each individual violation. He knew that one person’s sin could directly affect everyone. For example, a man named Achan unlawfully stole heathen idols as spoil from a battle. As a result, the entire army was powerless against their enemies until his sin was admitted and punished.
Do the sins of individuals affect our nation? The Bible says they do. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” God-fearing leaders have power to change the status and reputation of the country they serve but sinful individuals can also pull it down.
Consider how two boys on a shooting spree have put either fear or an imitative admiration in the hearts of our youth. In less a violent way but just as sinful, impurity in the lives of political leaders brings scorn to our nation and others. Just a few people who break God’s laws or the laws of the land bring disgrace to the rest of us.
We need law but confusion sometimes reigns at the legislative level. We need law-making based on something more than the wishes of those lobbyists who make the most noise, but even good law is powerless without shame at its violation. We must be appalled enough to pray for and encourage legislative integrity, rather than merely complaining that our country is not the same as it used to be.
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Monday, April 4, 2016
Christianity cannot be legislated .................. Parables 414
March 29, 1994
A few weeks ago, a senior federal judge in Texas ordered a woman and her four children to attend church each week for a year. The judge also advised the woman to not have any more children without a husband. He said, “I know there are all sorts of constitutional questions about this, but I just thought if I put her on probation... it would do a whole lot more good...”
“Constitutional questions” indeed. What about separation of church and state? Does it mean no one in the legal system can use “church” as probation for a crime? Can judicial action like this lead to disintegration of personal and civil rights?
Historically, political leaders first tolerated the church then persecuted its members but around A.D. 300, Roman emperor Constantine decided that it was to the advantage of the Empire to declare Christianity the state religion. Since he had the clout to enforce such a decree, most people made a profession of faith, whether or not they really believed. With that, the known world became “Christian.”
For several hundred years, politics and church were far from separate. If the head of the Roman Empire and the head of the Roman church did not agree, the stronger one ruled, both politically and in matters of religion.
During the Reformation, several Christian leaders decided that because of corruption, both politically and ecclesiastically, these two institutions should be separate. In other words, their faith would not be dictated by the king.
However, many thought political leaders were responsible to maintain the faith. That is, according to Scripture, the government was under God for the purpose of maintaining law and order and to make sure the church was protected. So, while many Christians refused government interference in doctrinal matters, they welcomed Christian leaders who would look after their best interests.
It has seldom worked. Perhaps power corrupts, but the fact of the matter is, true faith can neither be legislated or enforced using political means. The Gospel is a spiritual message requiring a personal decision. Neither Constantine or judges in Texas can make anyone become a lover of God against their will.
On the other hand, the Gospel is a power to be reckoned with. Through it, people have been fully convinced of their sin, fully made aware of their need for forgiveness, and fully released from the power of sin that controls them. Men and women who once hated Christians have been transformed into God-fearing Christians themselves.
The judge in Texas did have another option. According to the strict letter of the law, the woman’s crime called for a prison sentence, which would separate her from her children. They would be wards of the state and put into institutions or placed in foster care.
Since the judge had enough clout to go contrary to current thinking about church and state, he took a chance. Going to church would not automatically reform that mother’s ways yet there is a possibility that the power of the Gospel will set her free from her criminal habits. As Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
If being made to go to church sets her free from a life of crime, how can the constitution, or anyone else, fault that judge’s decision?
A few weeks ago, a senior federal judge in Texas ordered a woman and her four children to attend church each week for a year. The judge also advised the woman to not have any more children without a husband. He said, “I know there are all sorts of constitutional questions about this, but I just thought if I put her on probation... it would do a whole lot more good...”
“Constitutional questions” indeed. What about separation of church and state? Does it mean no one in the legal system can use “church” as probation for a crime? Can judicial action like this lead to disintegration of personal and civil rights?
Historically, political leaders first tolerated the church then persecuted its members but around A.D. 300, Roman emperor Constantine decided that it was to the advantage of the Empire to declare Christianity the state religion. Since he had the clout to enforce such a decree, most people made a profession of faith, whether or not they really believed. With that, the known world became “Christian.”
For several hundred years, politics and church were far from separate. If the head of the Roman Empire and the head of the Roman church did not agree, the stronger one ruled, both politically and in matters of religion.
During the Reformation, several Christian leaders decided that because of corruption, both politically and ecclesiastically, these two institutions should be separate. In other words, their faith would not be dictated by the king.
However, many thought political leaders were responsible to maintain the faith. That is, according to Scripture, the government was under God for the purpose of maintaining law and order and to make sure the church was protected. So, while many Christians refused government interference in doctrinal matters, they welcomed Christian leaders who would look after their best interests.
It has seldom worked. Perhaps power corrupts, but the fact of the matter is, true faith can neither be legislated or enforced using political means. The Gospel is a spiritual message requiring a personal decision. Neither Constantine or judges in Texas can make anyone become a lover of God against their will.
On the other hand, the Gospel is a power to be reckoned with. Through it, people have been fully convinced of their sin, fully made aware of their need for forgiveness, and fully released from the power of sin that controls them. Men and women who once hated Christians have been transformed into God-fearing Christians themselves.
The judge in Texas did have another option. According to the strict letter of the law, the woman’s crime called for a prison sentence, which would separate her from her children. They would be wards of the state and put into institutions or placed in foster care.
Since the judge had enough clout to go contrary to current thinking about church and state, he took a chance. Going to church would not automatically reform that mother’s ways yet there is a possibility that the power of the Gospel will set her free from her criminal habits. As Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
If being made to go to church sets her free from a life of crime, how can the constitution, or anyone else, fault that judge’s decision?
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Civil Disobedience – is it biblical? ............. Parables 375
June 22, 1993
“They’ve gone too far... I don’t care what the government says or the law is, this is wrong and I am going to do something about it.”
People worldwide often express displeasure about the way their country is being governed. Outrage at injustice or perceived injustice leads to action from peaceful protest marches to full-scale riots.
Civil disobedience has become almost a daily news item. Workers such as teachers, farmers and civil servants, march in protest, as do those denouncing war, abortion, and the slaughter of baby seals.
The dictionary defines civil disobedience as, “refusal to obey government commands or demands, especially as a nonviolent (and usually collective means) of forcing concessions from the government.”
Sometimes protesters believe it is necessary to oppose laws to gain attention to their cause but what starts out peacefully turns into violence. Citizens who normally abide by the law find themselves hurt and hospitalized, or in jail, without sympathy, and sometimes without much public support.
Does civil disobedience really help? If so, when does it cross that line between a productive activity and one that incurs negative results? It depends on the reason for it and how productivity is defined.
In the early church, Jesus’ apostles stood against their political leaders and refused to obey orders given to them. They were preaching the Gospel and telling others that Jesus Christ had been crucified for our sins, buried, but rose again the third day. The Jewish authorities (allowed by the Roman government to rule their own) were not pleased so tossed them in jail for a night then ordered them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4).
If read in context, Peter and John did not have an attitude of rebellion against the governing authorities. Their simple answer was not given in defiance. Instead, they wanted the matter to be judged by those who arrested them, the leaders who knew the laws of man and of God. What did they think fair and right?
That time it worked. The Sanhedrin threatened the apostles but let them go. The same response may not have secured a release if the governing body was unconcerned about God’s mind on the matter.
What about governments whose ideas and laws are immoral or unjust and who defy God? This is where a Christian must be very careful to know their Bibles and their own hearts. The Bible gives no indication we have a God-given right to oppose laws that DO NOT contradict the laws of God. For instance, a civil law may forbid obstructing the entrances of public buildings. Since Scripture does not specifically command Christians to place themselves in public doorways, anyone who does it can expect to be fined or jailed, no matter why they did it.
In fact, the Bible commands Christians to obey authorities over them because God establishes authorities to punish evil. Governments are His agents. Anyone who defies kings, civil agencies, and the laws of the land may also be defying God.
History records Christians who lost their lives because they trusted God and stood against authorities. This doesn’t mean they were out of the will of God. In fact, God commends and rewards those who are persecuted and martyred for doing right.
Others, sad to say, have not trusted God in their disobedience to authority. While they may have won their case (humanly speaking), they stepped out of fellowship with God by disobeying Him. They lost more than they gained.
“They’ve gone too far... I don’t care what the government says or the law is, this is wrong and I am going to do something about it.”
People worldwide often express displeasure about the way their country is being governed. Outrage at injustice or perceived injustice leads to action from peaceful protest marches to full-scale riots.
Civil disobedience has become almost a daily news item. Workers such as teachers, farmers and civil servants, march in protest, as do those denouncing war, abortion, and the slaughter of baby seals.
The dictionary defines civil disobedience as, “refusal to obey government commands or demands, especially as a nonviolent (and usually collective means) of forcing concessions from the government.”
Sometimes protesters believe it is necessary to oppose laws to gain attention to their cause but what starts out peacefully turns into violence. Citizens who normally abide by the law find themselves hurt and hospitalized, or in jail, without sympathy, and sometimes without much public support.
Does civil disobedience really help? If so, when does it cross that line between a productive activity and one that incurs negative results? It depends on the reason for it and how productivity is defined.
In the early church, Jesus’ apostles stood against their political leaders and refused to obey orders given to them. They were preaching the Gospel and telling others that Jesus Christ had been crucified for our sins, buried, but rose again the third day. The Jewish authorities (allowed by the Roman government to rule their own) were not pleased so tossed them in jail for a night then ordered them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4).
If read in context, Peter and John did not have an attitude of rebellion against the governing authorities. Their simple answer was not given in defiance. Instead, they wanted the matter to be judged by those who arrested them, the leaders who knew the laws of man and of God. What did they think fair and right?
That time it worked. The Sanhedrin threatened the apostles but let them go. The same response may not have secured a release if the governing body was unconcerned about God’s mind on the matter.
What about governments whose ideas and laws are immoral or unjust and who defy God? This is where a Christian must be very careful to know their Bibles and their own hearts. The Bible gives no indication we have a God-given right to oppose laws that DO NOT contradict the laws of God. For instance, a civil law may forbid obstructing the entrances of public buildings. Since Scripture does not specifically command Christians to place themselves in public doorways, anyone who does it can expect to be fined or jailed, no matter why they did it.
In fact, the Bible commands Christians to obey authorities over them because God establishes authorities to punish evil. Governments are His agents. Anyone who defies kings, civil agencies, and the laws of the land may also be defying God.
History records Christians who lost their lives because they trusted God and stood against authorities. This doesn’t mean they were out of the will of God. In fact, God commends and rewards those who are persecuted and martyred for doing right.
Others, sad to say, have not trusted God in their disobedience to authority. While they may have won their case (humanly speaking), they stepped out of fellowship with God by disobeying Him. They lost more than they gained.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Marking ballots can be frustrating ..................... Parables 140
For those who go the polls this month, placing the mark in the right spot may have been a frustrating experience. Some were unsure of party policies. Some did not know their candidate very well. Some complained that the ballots should include”none of the above” because the choices could be more desirable.
Ever wonder what it would be like if the political leaders cast the ballots? Suppose they decided no one could vote, Only a few would qualify to live in Canada, and all who did had to serve each other’s best interest?
Would the people then become the politicians, giving speeches and promises hoping to serve where they wanted? Suppose one party liked you and the other didn’t, creating much conflict for you? How would Canadians then respond to their leadership?
Did you know that it is something like that in the kingdom of God? His Dominion has no elections, no polling stations, no political campaigns. The majority does not rule. God rules. He alone calls the shots. Some may think the kingdom of God sounds like a dictatorship. However, once examined, even the best of human government pales beside His system. Here are some highlights:
1. There is only one leader or Lord, to whom every person gives allegiance and utter devotion, Jesus Christ. He rules in love, truth and perfect justice.
2. This Leader fully represents the people (He became one of us) yet fully represents absolute authority because He is fully God.
3. He rules sovereignly. Even though He invites His citizens to make their wishes known through prayer, none pull His strings. He grants privileges not rights. Nothing can be demanded, or taken by force, lobbying, or majority vote, yet all the blessings are free. No one goes without. All needs are met, fully and perfectly.
4. All citizens in the kingdom are commanded to live in harmony with each other in spite of the diversity of their views, abilities, personalities or circumstances. Since this is humanly impossible, the Lord gives them His own quality of life (eternal life) and with it, all of His transmutable characteristics, such as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control. Those who live according to His divine life within are blessed with peace and joy.
5. No one is forced to exercise their God-given abilities, but will face the natural consequences if they don’t. (Similar to running full tilt into a brick wall. He won’t stop you, but if you insist, you will hurt yourself!).
6. Those who disobey are never condemned because Jesus Christ Himself paid the full penalty of all offenses that have or will ever be committed. However, offenders are given attention with a view to correct them, This is because the Lord knows right living benefits His people.
7. This kingdom begins in the hearts of men and is entered by an act of faith, on earth. It is never exited. That is, it is an eternal kingdom. Its residents live here for awhile as ambassadors, then go to their eternal and real place of citizenship to live forever.
8. Not everyone who says”Lord, Lord” will enter this kingdom. Only those who do the will of God can be citizens. (How to do it is clearly stated in John’s gospel, chapter 6, verse 29).
9. The people, once in this kingdom, have no vote because they have placed their faith in the wisdom of the One who governs them. Their only vote is just a simple decision whether or not they will accept His invitation to enter. “Yes” or “No” to the Lordship of Jesus Christ always decides all the issues. In other words, you can’t vote this theocracy in, but you can vote yourself into this theocracy.
The Leader of this state welcomes all who come to Him in faith. Quite a difference from current politics, is it not?
Ever wonder what it would be like if the political leaders cast the ballots? Suppose they decided no one could vote, Only a few would qualify to live in Canada, and all who did had to serve each other’s best interest?
Would the people then become the politicians, giving speeches and promises hoping to serve where they wanted? Suppose one party liked you and the other didn’t, creating much conflict for you? How would Canadians then respond to their leadership?
Did you know that it is something like that in the kingdom of God? His Dominion has no elections, no polling stations, no political campaigns. The majority does not rule. God rules. He alone calls the shots. Some may think the kingdom of God sounds like a dictatorship. However, once examined, even the best of human government pales beside His system. Here are some highlights:
1. There is only one leader or Lord, to whom every person gives allegiance and utter devotion, Jesus Christ. He rules in love, truth and perfect justice.
2. This Leader fully represents the people (He became one of us) yet fully represents absolute authority because He is fully God.
3. He rules sovereignly. Even though He invites His citizens to make their wishes known through prayer, none pull His strings. He grants privileges not rights. Nothing can be demanded, or taken by force, lobbying, or majority vote, yet all the blessings are free. No one goes without. All needs are met, fully and perfectly.
4. All citizens in the kingdom are commanded to live in harmony with each other in spite of the diversity of their views, abilities, personalities or circumstances. Since this is humanly impossible, the Lord gives them His own quality of life (eternal life) and with it, all of His transmutable characteristics, such as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control. Those who live according to His divine life within are blessed with peace and joy.
5. No one is forced to exercise their God-given abilities, but will face the natural consequences if they don’t. (Similar to running full tilt into a brick wall. He won’t stop you, but if you insist, you will hurt yourself!).
6. Those who disobey are never condemned because Jesus Christ Himself paid the full penalty of all offenses that have or will ever be committed. However, offenders are given attention with a view to correct them, This is because the Lord knows right living benefits His people.
7. This kingdom begins in the hearts of men and is entered by an act of faith, on earth. It is never exited. That is, it is an eternal kingdom. Its residents live here for awhile as ambassadors, then go to their eternal and real place of citizenship to live forever.
8. Not everyone who says”Lord, Lord” will enter this kingdom. Only those who do the will of God can be citizens. (How to do it is clearly stated in John’s gospel, chapter 6, verse 29).
9. The people, once in this kingdom, have no vote because they have placed their faith in the wisdom of the One who governs them. Their only vote is just a simple decision whether or not they will accept His invitation to enter. “Yes” or “No” to the Lordship of Jesus Christ always decides all the issues. In other words, you can’t vote this theocracy in, but you can vote yourself into this theocracy.
The Leader of this state welcomes all who come to Him in faith. Quite a difference from current politics, is it not?
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