Good and Bad Politics – a plain comparison (5/17/09)

NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

I’ve concluded that the best way to catch a Michigan politician’s attention is to propose, as part of a special interest group, a law authorizing a specialty license [auto] plate. Most politicians are looking to add to their repertoire of resume career “enhancements.” Whether something is a worthy law or not, makes no difference – just so the special interests can be satisfied. However, there is the exception. And that is the general populous – and they are generally referred to, as, the “Taxpayers.” They are [unfortunately] taken for granted and only counted on for their tax monies and continued votes.

Currently there is a proposed piece of legislation that would add even more financial benefits to a Michigan politician. This “Bill,” is known as “House Bill 4229,” and was introduced by Representative Fred Durhal, a Democrat from Detroit. In short, this law, if passed, would suck more of the taxpayers’ hard earned money and pay for unneeded State Police escorts at the scene of a deceased politician’s funeral. It isn’t enough that politicians while alive, cause financial grief for the taxpayer. Now, they have found a way to stick it to the general public even after they have finally passed on!

The practice of Politics, oftentimes is very “Dirty.” But what distinguishes good politics from bad?

I always have to laugh when I hear some news or radio personality state that a certain politician is “Playing politics.” I smile and say to myself: “What else would they play?” But, unfortunately, it is the sad scenario. Politicians do not generally play [practice] good politics, but, rather, bad.

First of all – what is “Politics?” If I remember (a definition) correctly, “Politics” is something positive, not negative. Its practice is supposed to be for the common [public] good. Politics is supposed to keep, maintain and promote proper moral behavior for the advancement of the particular culture. Here is the original [Webster’s] definition:

POL'ITICS, n. "The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals. Politics, as a science or an art, is a subject of vast extent and importance."

I am sure that each of you hearing or reading this message – if, you are old enough could cite some poor and pathetic examples of bad politics. As with any human endeavor there is not only the propensity and snag toward the negative, but also the definite abject failure of the practice of politics to positively affect the moral [and lasting] good for community, society and the culture.

The best way to insure good politics, is to elect good people into public office:

Even though good people may be elected and some [unelected] assume positions of governmental leadership, they are often swayed by negative, overriding and special interest influences. They also handle the taxpayer’s money. And they often handle it with disrespect and thievery. Please refer to the commentary: “Political Extortion.”

The best way for politicians to remain honest, is for them to be rooted in traditional, patriotic and godly principles. The founders and framers of our USA Constitution never felt that the belief and practice of the Christian faith was a detriment to society. Rather, on the contrary they envisioned the Christian Faith as perhaps, the most competent and wise manner to advance their new nation. Unlike today’s culture, the founders and framers of our nation understood their worldview, fashioned after, absolutes. They instinctively knew that a general public, educated with Christian values, would be the best society to govern and to provide a continuance of good governance. To them, there was no [mythical] “Separation of church and state” outlook as they correctly and logically practiced the 1st Amendment. http://wallbuilders.com/

Secondly, the best way for politicians to maintain their honesty and work for the best general public's welfare, is that they be held accountable for their every vote. Politicians who practice back scratching and bribing one another for pet proposed laws, need not continue in their capacity. Voters need to continually remind their political representatives what they view as supremely important and how they expect their particular representatives to vote. All this presupposes that they [the populous] keep themselves informed by way of organizations like the "Mackinac Center” -- http://mackinac.org

Christ’s Words: The Gospel of Luke 16:1-15

….And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” [Luke 16:15]

According to Christ’s own words [Luke 16:15] there is a priority standard which is godly and morally acceptable. And, then there is the sorry alternative, which finds its sinful expression in the fallen nature [Genesis 3]. Without the continual mirror of Creator God’s guidance and Words, politicians are sure to fall short and fail every single time, upholding their worthy profession. It is the shameful practice of their profession which makes for poor politics and the “Playing” of those politics. Selfishness and greed spoil what could often be fair and equitable for the masses of USA residents which they are supposed to represent. The more politicians propose laws contradicting the absolutes of Holy Scripture, the greater the resulting implications and problems our culture encounters. The simple directives of Scripture’s lessons in economics, if, opposed, naturally spell financial disaster. Such is the case with our USA today.

I wish that I could paint a rosy picture. I wish that I could currently reflect my country’s political leaders with words of praise, but I cannot. Our beloved country is at a new all time low for having elected a man as president who has supported infanticide and does not cherish the embodiment of “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Note: President Barack Obama's Record of the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act -Documents Relating to the Illinois State Senate Born-Alive Infants Protection Act

I live in a town of approximately 35,000 people and our town’s mayor has made it a political priority to attempt to coax the bad role model, Madonna, to accept the “Key” to the city, in which she was born. Somehow he must think that this town would ultimately benefit. My suspicions are that he would like to use Madonna's noteriety to help spur some economic tourist growth. He doesn't apparently understand [or care] how he has now become a bad role model when he in contradiction gives youth awards for genuine exemplary behavior and then as Mayor invites a poor role model to be the town's highlight. He should know better but he is apparently doing what he thinks is “esteemed among men.” However, Christ’s Words are eternal. Christ said that “…..what is highly esteemed among men [the public] is an abomination in the sight of God.” [Luke 16:15]

If you do not believe in absolutes:

Friend, if you do not believe in absolutes, I pity you. If you do not trust in your Creator Christ [Colossians 1:16] for your existence and future resting place, I further pity you. The Scriptures state that in your sinful state you cannot of your own [doing] come to recognize and confess your Creator. [Matthew 13:17] That means that you and your sinful state will never find eternal rest -- apart from the Mercy of the Triune God. It means that you must all alone, “pay the piper” for your sins against a holy and just God who must, because of His holiness, damn you and your sins in a place created, called, “Hell.” [Matthew 25:31-46]

But there is hope that no earthly politician can offer you. There is the promise of Almighty God that He is a loving and forgiving God – ready and willing to pardon you – if, you would but acknowledge your sins and put your faith and trust in Him. [Luke 18:9-14 ; Luke 23: 39-43] May you leave your politically correct mentality, behind, and may God’s Holy Spirit call you by His Gospel to receive the truth in Christ. [John 1:1-13 ; Matthew 7:13-29 ; John 18:37 ; John 3:14-21 ; and verse, 36] Amen.

NOTE: The previous message [above] and the related Scriptures below can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:

Old Testament:

1 Samuel 16 – An Old Testament historical example of Luke 16:15

Isaiah 55:8-9 – The Lord thinks differently than does His creation

Psalm 147:10-11 – The priority with which the Lord takes pleasure

New Testament

Luke 16:1-15 –Christ’s Parable of the Unjust Steward and His teaching following that parable

1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Peter 5:5 –Scriptures dealing with what impresses God

Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Note for further reference and understanding:

The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?

Please Note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and, or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.

Rev. Nathan Bickel – Bay City, Michigan