Category: Shadows (Page 3 of 17)

Bearing false witness is mentioned many times in the Bible. We must conclude that it is very bad since God placed it as ninth on His top 10 list of mandatory commandments (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:10). Being a false witness, or spreading a false report about someone, is associated with being aligned with the wicked (Exodus 23:1). There are plenty of other Biblical references. David calls out in Psalm 27:12 to avoid giving his enemies what they want, false witnesses who will revolt against him. Even Solomon’s Proverbs 14:5 warns against sowing discord among brothers and compares such actions to that of using a violent weapon (Proverbs 25:18). Why would this sin receive so much attention? Lies are effective; they work! In our society today, there has been an explosion of injustice facilitated by bearing false witness against one another. It does not matter who you are or what side you are on; the best liars are becoming the winners. It is also very profitable. Bearing false testimony is also a broad and encompassing sin. It not only includes the command to be truthful in all things, but the prohibition not to lie publicly, as in a court of law by laying at another’s feet any false charge that could injure them, or lie privately by whispering, talebearing, backbiting, slandering, or destroying their character by innuendos, sly insinuations, and evil suggestions.

Is this sin worse than others? There are probably three main reasons for this sin making the top ten list.

• God’s people are commanded to reflect God’s character. God does not and cannot lie! Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?¹NIV New International Version Translations” To lie is to disgrace God’s very name.
• Bearing false witness against another is destructive to the individual who was the victim of the lie. One’s credibility and reputation suffer, and their ability to sustain their family is harmed. Leviticus 19:18 makes it clear that the Israelites were to love their neighbors as themselves. This same command is repeated by both Jesus and Paul (Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:9). Loving our neighbors prohibits lying about them too.
• Bearing false witness is destructive to any society that claims to be for law and order. Both in the days of the Israelites and today, no legal system can function if the witnesses who testify cannot be trusted to tell the truth. Without a trustworthy judicial system based on eyewitness testimony from reliable and truthful witnesses, societies are at risk of a complete breakdown of law and order. Without law and order, chaos ensues, and the innocent always suffer.

Our Bible is quite specific about the nature of the human heart. It is flawed and sinful. We may need it to live and survive, but as a GPS, the human heart guides our morality.

(Jeremiah 17:9) – “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

Jeremiah is telling us that our emotions are misleading. Whenever we merely “feel” that something is right or wrong, that is not enough. Our hearts are deceitful. What flows out of humanity in terms of emotions is deceptive because they come from a corrupted control center. Look around, and you will see people worshiping their self-image, celebrities, and especially their money. Look at our government! Today, a political career can be a pathway to untold wealth. And what do they do to get that rich? Swear, lie, murder, and use deceit to gain their power and wealth. Where are God’s Laws in all of this? They are cast aside as being archaic and in need of modernization. If we want to fix our world, we first need to fix the human heart. This is an impossible task without God’s help. A nation without God has no moral compass guiding its people.

(Proverbs 29:18-27) – “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond. Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent. An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gains honor. The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice. The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.”

There are many biblical stories to pick about bearing false witness. When the wicked Queen Jezebel wished to purchase a vineyard for her sulking husband, King Ahab (See Lostpine’s Study: Who Was Ahab), she employed two false witnesses. Naboth, the rightful owner of the vineyard, was seated in an honorable place on a day of fasting, but “Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, ‘Naboth has cursed both God and the king.’ So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.” (1 Kings 21:13). Isn’t this what we see every day in politics? Is there a fix to the problem of bearing false witness as a common weapon? 

(Proverbs 25:18) – “Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.”

God is not tolerant of those who give false testimony. He demands only the TRUTH! It is worth reading to see how God handled Ahab and Jezebel. Justice was served in the end. There is a wonderful and simplistic Bible verse that seems to tell us God’s opinion: “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him…a lying tongue…a false witness who breathes out lies…” (Proverbs 6:16–19). The sin of lying that manifests itself as giving false testimony comes from the sinful human heart. It lives there along with murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, slander, and evil thoughts (Matthew 15:19). Like all sins, they do not go unpunished.

(Romans 1:18-21) – “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Hollywood’s glorification, late-time television’s humor, or the media’s bias in support of those who give false testimony does not go unnoticed by our Creator. His character and His TRUTH teach that honesty, integrity, and truthful speech are essential values for maintaining healthy relationships and just societies. Human nature will always generate excuses. We are great at self-justification, meant to avoid any guilt or sacrifice. Unfortunately, people choose silence rather than admit any guilt or complicity that might damage their ego.  Humanity is not the center of the universe, although it works hard to control virtually everything, even the weather. By insisting on “tolerance,” humanity has deceitfully managed to produce an open-minded acceptance of what once would have been called sinful behavior. There are no longer absolutes that exist regarding one’s conduct. Morality has become subjective, defined as “personal choice.” Do you think this is an exaggeration? Look at today’s cooperative media, good-looking celebrities, slick politicians, and liberal courts!

Contemplations

• What do you do personally when you see an injustice in our society?
  • Ideas to Explore: Avoid controversy. Stay informed. See how you might help. Adjust who you support. Anything else?
• How do you respond to the war on religion?
  • Ideas to Explore: Avoid church. Only go on Sundays. Watch online. Know who you vote for.
• God is being removed from our society. What is your response?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you silent, an activist, or somewhere in between?
• How do you assure yourself that you do not pass on a false fact heard from some other source?
  • Ideas to Explore: Avoid spreading facts unless you have personally witnessed the information. Do research that includes lots of sources along with the Internet. 

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Why did God create humanity? The answer should be part of every person’s mission in life. Simply stated, the Bible says that humans were created by God to bring Him glory.

(Isaiah 43:7)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Isaiah makes quite a point here. You exist not to become a ruler, nor to become rich, or even to achieve great things. You exist to bring God glory! If that is humanity’s mission statement, how does humanity bring glory to its Creator? When we glorify someone, it usually involves highlighting their positive qualities, achievements, and contributions. This, of course, places a burden on us to both know them and observe them in action. We should show outward signs of admiration, respect, and even awe. Through our actions, others should take inspiration from the very faith we have, thus motivating others to strive for greatness in their pursuits.

What then makes our mission in life to learn how to glorify God? The process must begin by honoring and serving God with our lives and decisions. The ability to do this starts in the heart.

(1 Samuel 12:24) – “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”

Because we were created with “free will,” we are unable to glorify God. Sin separates us from Him. Because of God’s love for His creation, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice. We can now have a relationship with our Creator; we have been reconciled! Sin no longer exists as a barrier to our ability to worship God and bring God glory if we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

(2 Corinthians 3:1–6) – ”Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we have been created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). When we live submitted to Christ, we are then enabled. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. Therefore, it is through God’s efforts, not ours, that we have been reconciled to Him for eternity. Only then can we worship Him with gladness and thanksgiving and acknowledge that He is our Creator. (Psalm 100:2–4). What should a reconciled life look like?

Here are some of the responsibilities that exist for humanity (1 Chronicles 16:17–36):

• Connection to God: We must have a strong and meaningful connection with God that is maintained and nurtured through prayer, meditation, worship, and contemplation (Matthew 22:37; John 15:4-5).
• Our Behavior: We must practice virtues such as love, compassion, humility, patience, kindness, and honesty. These Godly virtues should guide our interactions with others and shape our character (1 Corinthians 13:4–7; Colossians 3:12).
• Ethics: We must have a moral code that aligns with the teachings of the Scriptures. This includes treating others with respect, avoiding harm, and making ethical choices (Joshua 1:8; Matthew 7:24–27).
• Humble Servant: We must serve others and be generous to those in need. Our lives should include acts of charity, volunteering, and helping those less fortunate (Deuteronomy 15:11; 1 John 3:17–18).
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Forgiveness and reconciliation must be present in our relationships with others (Matthew 6:14–15; Colossians 3:13).
• Self-Discipline: We must both practice and administer self-control, managing our desires and impulses. Our lives should be an example of moderation, separating needs from wants. (Galatians 5:22–23; Titus 2:11–12).
• Integrity: We must stay true to God’s expectations for us in the face of challenges or temptations, living God’s Truth each day (1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:12).
• Education: We must have a commitment to ongoing learning, personal growth, and spiritual development demonstrated by studying the Bible, attending worship services, and seeking guidance from spiritual leaders (Proverbs 2:1–5; Hebrews 10:24–25).
• Inner Peace: There should be a feeling of inner peace and contentment that comes from practicing mindfulness, meditation, and a sense of gratitude for our salvation in our lives (Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15).

(Isaiah 55:8-9) – “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts [HIGHER] than your thoughts.”

Humanity is NOT in charge of this world! It cannot make the seas stop rising or the storms subside with windmills. Humanity cannot create life; it can only destroy it. It is God’s world, and for every worldly decision and action, humanity must take God’s Truth into account. While stewardship of God’s resources benefits us all, our world belongs to God.

After a period of living a life of self-indulgence, King Solomon concluded that living for oneself was useless. The ultimate purpose of man was to live a life of obedience to God (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). He further concludes, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The Apostle Paul goes on to add, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

(Proverbs 19:21) – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Contemplations

• What do you think the difference is between two persons, one who exists for the glory of God and one who exists for the glory of self?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are there outward differences? What happens when they exist only for themselves? Can they ever have true inner peace without humility and the fear of God?
• When people see you living in this world with all its issues and troubles, do they see that you have chosen to live your life for the glory of God?
  • Ideas to Explore: Your outward life models your inward life. Do people know you love God? Do your choices in life reflect those that would be pleasing to God?
• Would God approve of your social media “history?” In other words, when God reads your posts and tweets, does He see you bringing Him glory or yourself glory?
  • Ideas to Explore: How you communicate with the world displays your faith. Is there consistency in your life choices that brings God glory in how you communicate with others? Is your life a witness to those around you, bringing them closer to God?
• In 2 Timothy 4:8, the Apostle Paul talks about each of us earning a crown. John in Revelations 4:10 talks about how we give that crown back to God as our final eternal offering. How do you interpret the metaphor?
  • Ideas to Explore: What is the earthly crown comprised of? How did we earn it? Why are we giving it back to God?

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How does a society lose its freedom? History can help us with this answer. We will look at the Bible and the process by which the nation of Israel lost its independence to the Roman Empire.  It happened in only one generation. The Jewish population did not always agree in their response to foreign rule. Internal divisions and power struggles among various Jewish factions weakened their ability to present a unified resistance to Roman authority. Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian who lived during the first century AD, provided detailed accounts of the Jewish-Roman War (66-73 AD) and the subsequent fall of Jerusalem and the Jewish state in his works “The Jewish War” and “Antiquities of the Jews.” While his writings are not unbiased and are influenced by his own experiences and perspectives, they do offer insights into the factors he believed contributed to the fall of Israel. Josephus is quick to point out that there were deep divisions within Jewish society during that time. Factions and power struggles among various Jewish groups, including religious sects like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Zealots, weakened the ability of the Jewish population to present a united front against Roman forces.

First, one must understand who the Pharisees and Sadducees were.  The Pharisees and Sadducees were the religious leaders of the Jewish people during Jesus’ day. Most of the Jewish people at that time, believed their religion should control almost every part of their lives. Therefore, the Pharisees and Sadducees each held a lot of power and influence. Their reach not only covered the practices of faith, but also their finances, their work habits, their family lives, and more. The Pharisees and Sadducees were not priests. They held appointed positions empowering them to be “experts in the law.” Their influence went beyond the Scriptures themselves. They were also experts on what it meant to interpret the laws of the Old Testament. Because it was their business to interpret human-made laws, they created hundreds of extra instructions and stipulations based on their interpretations of God’s Laws. Of course, both groups didn’t always agree on how the Scriptures should be interpreted. If we were to compare them to part of today’s society, they would be considered part of the unelected bureaucracy within a nation! Jesus did not have a high opinion of this group.

(Matthew 12:34-37)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Keep in mind that Josephus is writing 70 or more years after Jesus was crucified. He is writing history. Josephus describes social and economic tensions within Jerusalem and the broader Jewish community, the kind that existed when Jesus was alive. Economic disparities, class conflicts, and disputes over critical resources contributed to internal strife and weakened the Jewish response to the Roman threat. Josephus acknowledges the military superiority of the Roman forces. The well-disciplined and organized Roman legions, along with their siege warfare techniques, posed a significant threat to the Jewish nation. Factions and power struggles also included those called Zealots, who instigated revolts and uprisings, contributing to the overall chaos. Most resistance had been launched prematurely or without sufficient coordination, resulting in Roman suppression and harsh consequences for the Jewish population. Tensions between the Jewish population and Roman authorities had been simmering for years. Josephus documents instances of resistance to Roman rule, including protests against Roman practices and taxes, which escalated over time and contributed to a climate of hostility.

(Luke 19:41-44) – “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.’”

Jesus is recorded to have wept only two times in the New Testament. Once over the death of His friend Lazarus and the other over Jesus’s prophetic images of the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus years after His death (See Titus’ Siege of Jerusalem). The Roman siege of Jerusalem, which began in 70 AD, caused intense suffering for the population due to food shortages, infighting, and the destruction of vital infrastructure. The Second Temple in Jerusalem was also destroyed.

To draw a comparison to today’s chaotic political climate, there are approximately 23.7 million full-time and part-time employees of our nation’s government. There are about 258.3 million adult citizens. That is one unelected bureaucrat for every 11 of us.

• 4.0 million federal employees, of whom 8% (excluding armed forces) work part-time;
• 5 million state employees, of whom 29% work part-time; and
• 2 million local government employees, of whom 23% work part-time.

The vast majority have not been elected by the citizens. Their purpose is to monitor citizens and assure compliance with our growing number of executive orders and rules. Many have the power to convict anyone of numerous breaches of the “bureaucratic law.” The U.S. Federal Register²https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Register, which holds and documents our own rules, and houses all Washington regulations (34,000 pages), weighs more than 340 pounds.  The changes are published daily and they are voluminous! Jesus, if arrested today, would still never have a chance at fair treatment. It is this dark bureaucratic world that weighs heavily on freedom, and most don’t even know it exists.

Today’s Problem Defined

The United Nations commits industrialized countries and economies to accept climate change as a fact. Not all member nations have responded to this commitment. Our nation has. The idea of “sustainable development” is now firmly adopted at the Federal and State levels. What does this mean? Belief drives behavior! Unfortunately, some lazy legislators enact laws but then do little else. If we want to understand the power of the unelected bureaucracy, understand that when our representatives relinquish their “rule-making authority” to bureaus and agencies, our nation loses its freedom. It is the unelected bureaucracy, the Pharisees, and Sadducees of modern times, who superimpose statutory authority over our society. They have no legitimate role other than to advise and never should override the will of the people’s representatives. That is why changing leaders seems to do very little for the people. The power is in the bureaucracy and there is rarely any accountability! The same was true in Jesus’ time.

Nothing could be more critical than Godly leadership and an accountable government to maintain a free nation. Our Bible history tells us this. God gives us a simple plan, written on a small stone, a covenant of redemption, grace, and forgiveness. Staying free requires us to be repentant and seek Him. Jesus called it correctly, beware of the brood of vipers that lurks about.

Contemplations

• Are you concerned about your freedom and the freedom of your family?
  • Ideas to Explore: Freedom is never free and lost, one small chip at a time. Where do you see the chips?
• Where would you reduce the size of the “bureaucracy?”
  • Ideas to Explore: Courts, property rights, education, taxes, immigration, etc.?
• What are your plans to gird up this nation?
  • Ideas to Explore: Know who you are voting for, change where your news comes from, and fight the attack on our children.
• Where is the greatest abuse of the “bureaucracy coming from today?”
  • Ideas to Explore: Can one political party simply keep the other party in court? How will civil discourse occur under the present threats to individual rights and freedoms?

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In a commencement address to the 2023 graduating class of Hillsdale College¹Imprints, June 2023 Vol 52, No. 6 “The Most Important Decision in Life” by Bishop Robert Barron, their speaker, Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester asked some of the most provocative and thoughtful questions I have heard in a very long time. He looked at the audience of youthful graduates and asked:

• What kind of soul will you have?
• What kind of person will you be?
• Will you do whatever it takes to get what you want?
• Or will you accept even great suffering to do what is right?

My question today is will you accept suffering, and do what is right in support of God’s Truth?

(Matthew 20:20-23)²NIV New International Version Translations – “Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. ‘What is it you want?’ he asked. She said, ‘Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?’ ‘We can,’ they answered. Jesus said to them, ‘You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.'”

Jesus uses the metaphor again in (Matthew 26:36-39) where he states that those who choose to follow Him must “drink from His cup.” It is a provocative statement, must we suffer to be saved? To know the answer is to first understand the contents of the “cup!” The history of the cup is intertwined with the history of human civilization. Cups have been essential vessels for drinking liquids for thousands of years. The earliest cups were likely made from natural materials such as gourds, shells, and hollowed-out stones. It would be most difficult to drink water without a cup. If we stick with the idea of a metaphor, water is also one of the essentials to life.

Water helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and protect organs. It aids in the absorption and distribution of nutrients to various tissues and organs. It helps flush out waste providing overall detoxification.  It assists in the absorption of nutrients. Our joints would not work if it was not for the fact that water reduces friction and promotes smooth movement. Even mild dehydration can lead to cognitive impairment, affecting concentration, alertness, and memory. One might say that water is as important to humanity as Jesus is to eternal life. Without water, humans would have no real strength or power!

The term “cup” is used metaphorically by Jesus to refer to the suffering and sacrifice He is about to endure. Jesus is alluding to the trials and tribulations He will face, particularly his upcoming crucifixion, which is part of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. When Jesus asks if the disciples can drink from His cup, He is essentially asking if they are willing to share in his suffering and sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. This is the same provocative question Bishop Robert Barron asked the graduates sitting before him. It is important to note here that Jesus is to suffer for a purpose, the salvation of humanity. To suffer without purpose because of poor decisions or ignore the “Common Sense” of observation, seems foolish. Jesus, however, suffered for the Gospel. The Gospel does for humanity, the same things that water does. The Gospel regulates daily living, removes waste like sin, wards off cognitive impairment by choosing God’s Truth, and ultimately sustains life, “eternal life.”

The concept of God’s absolute authority over the universe must be our starting position. “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). The Psalms, like many places in Scripture (Psalms 22:28, Isaiah 46:10, Colossians 1:16-17, Daniel 4:35, Ephesians 1:11), establish that the authority controlling our universe is not from humanity, it is the Creator of our very universe. This leads us back to the root of Bishop Barron’s question, of whether we are prepared to suffer to do what is right by God.

(John 7:37-39) – “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Jesus is telling us that His cup is filled with His “purpose,” and drinking from it gives you the help of the third part of the Trinity, you remember, God, the Son, and “the Holy Spirit.” Jesus’s cup is also about having a relationship with Him and with the Son of God! It is about trust! While suffering may be an inherent part of the human condition, what we are pondering is whether suffering could also provide opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and understanding of our world and even the purpose of life itself. Do we need suffering to appreciate joy, happiness, and the positive aspects of life? Ethical questions always come forth when discussing the necessity of suffering. For example, suffering, such as those caused by systemic injustices or unnecessary cruelty, is not part of God’s plan. Bishop Barron is merely asking the graduates, are you willing to purposely cause suffering in our world to be called successful by our world or are you willing to pursue the Gospel’s message of Truth even if the world is against you?

And what is the Gospel’s message? God, the creator of the universe, is good and desires a personal relationship with each one of us. Because of our free will, we seek this world and not God’s world. This has separated us from God. To have an intimate relationship with us, God sent His son, Jesus Christ, as a willing sacrifice, to suffer and die for all humanity has done wrong. This incarnate offering of God has made full payment for humanity’s failings. To provide us hope, He conquered death for us, raised Jesus from the dead, and ascended Him into heaven with the assurance that those who believe in this Gospel will enter heaven as well.

The purpose of the Gospel, therefore, is to help us conform to the image of Jesus Himself. There MAY be suffering but it will never be without purpose. When we experience suffering ourselves or witness the suffering of others, it should inspire us to be more compassionate, supportive, and understanding. We should be led to seek God’s Truth in all matters of our world. And when the world is the cause of suffering, it is OK to try to end it. It’s worth noting that advancements in science, medicine, and social systems often began with someone’s compassion for those suffering. Our purpose may be to alleviate unnecessary suffering whenever possible, further highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and collective efforts to improve the human experience. We can make a difference in this world!

(John 16:13) – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

The word used in this passage is the Greek word parakletos, which means “comforter, helper, encourager, or counselor.” “Para” means “to come alongside.” Jesus’s cup and His living water hold the promise that the “Comforter” or “Helper” would come and abide with us forever.

Contemplations

• What is your philosophy on success?
  • Ideas to Explore: Do what you need to do, be reliable, always be truthful, educate yourself, and do what is necessary to succeed?
• Do you think the world is at odds with people who profess their faith in Jesus?
  • Ideas to Explore: What does history show about the treatment of people who believe in God, in Jesus, in any Creator?
• Do you think that following God’s Truth will lead to suffering?
  • Ideas to Explore: Why? Is that an absolute fact?
• How do you respond to suffering when you see it?
  • Ideas to Explore: Do you become more generous, more compassionate, more creative to seek a solution, etc.?
• Make a list of the people that, in your mind, served God above all else. Were any of them wealthy or famous?
  • Ideas to Explore: Did wealth spawn generosity? Were they famous because they served God or were idolized by our world?

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  Imprints, June 2023 Vol 52, No. 6 “The Most Important Decision in Life” by Bishop Robert Barron
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Salvation by faith is a primary theme within Christianity, coming from the teachings of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians.

(Ephesians 2:8-9)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

How did you get your faith? You are asked to believe in that which cannot be seen. Yet those who profess our faith in Jesus do so gladly, with joy and the hope of His resurrection. The core message of Paul’s teachings is that salvation is a gift from God and is not earned through human efforts or adherence to the Jewish law (the Mosaic Law). Instead, Paul emphasized that individuals are justified (made right with God) by their faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. This means that our salvation was obtained by establishing a personal relationship with Jesus and trusting in His redemptive work, rather than through observing rituals, laws, or performing good deeds. Somehow, those of faith have come to trust in the teachings, doctrines, and principles found in the Bible. Two important questions we should be asking are: (1) How did we get the faith we have that God and Jesus are real? And (2) How can we pass (share) our faith and joy with others?

(Psalm 19:1-4) – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

The Apostle Paul told the people in Lystra that God has left a witness of Himself to everyone in the world. The Bible says that God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been seen since the creation of His world. God also revealed Himself to us in a far greater and more personal way: by coming down from heaven and walking among us in the person of Jesus Christ. God’s visibility is universal, established by both natural and supernatural laws. Seeing God’s existence is common sense: “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything” (Hebrews 3:4). We should have no excuse. Excuses come from politicians and governments!

Years of studies and statistics have shown that two-thirds of Christians came to faith before the age of 18. An amazing 43% came to Christ before the age of 12. ²https://ministry-to-children.com/childrens-ministry-statistics/. Some statistics even say that over ninety percent of people established their concept of faith by 18³https://amotherfarfromhome.com/94-of-christians-were-saved-before-18-years-of-age/. It seems that as adults, we have a problem! Adults today have a general lack of spiritual needs. Many adults are blind to their sinfulness and separation from God. More of their time is spent pursuing today’s world than thinking about whether eternity is even real. Governments, consumerism, and media are all busy convincing us that this world can supply our needs. And sin? The world is busy redefining God’s Truth as nothing more than an assault on our human rights. Too many adults are content with Christ, but only on their terms.

History tells us that faith, whether in God or in freedom itself, is nurtured through exposure to teachings, doctrines, and education. Learning about the beliefs and experiences of others can inspire faith and influence one’s perspective. When individuals have positive or transformative experiences, especially as children, their faith is strengthened. This fact alone demonstrates why there is such an effort to remove God from educational systems. Since faith is a relationship, faith is best passed on by strong relationships with faith-filled people. Religion for youth is not about controlling children through guilt and shame. The children we raise must eventually live in the world. Fear has no place; faith should empower them to live in it. Children must see their parents draw joy from their faith and never be discouraged from receiving truthful answers to any of their questions. How a parent behaves in their faith is more important than what they tell their children about their faith.

One’s environment is the best place to foster and reinforce faith. Being part of a community that shares similar beliefs, encouragement, acceptance, and support can strengthen one’s faith in God. Engaging in respectful and open discussions about faith can create opportunities for individuals to explore their beliefs and learn from one another. Transformative experiences can lead individuals to develop faith in God while overcoming challenges or difficult situations with the help of faithful people can reinforce one’s belief in God. Faith can fulfill emotional and spiritual needs, providing a sense of hope, comfort, and purpose. Faith in governments, however, is just folly!

(1 Peter 3:15) – “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

If the Apostle Paul is considered one bookend to salvation by faith, the Apostle Peter is the other bookend. Peter identified the critical element of personal faith; it is that sharing one’s faith and witnessing what belief in Jesus has done for one person’s life is an effective way for faith to grow in others. We are not talking about TikTok influencers here. When individuals share personal stories of their faith journeys, transformative experiences, or the impact of faith on their own lives, it can inspire and influence others to explore and embrace similar beliefs or convictions. This reinforces the importance of intimate relationships with family members and friends who have strong faith and can influence others to consider and adopt similar beliefs. Contemplation of life’s meaning, purpose, and larger existential questions can prompt individuals to seek answers and find solace in faith. This is a healthy process that people of all ages benefit from.

Conclusion

Sometimes, faith in God and Jesus will involve taking a “leap of faith,” deciding, or acting based on trust and intuition rather than a predominance of concrete evidence. This will be true in many aspects of life, not just religious beliefs. One might begin by having faith in oneself, believing in one’s capabilities, strengths, and potential to achieve goals and overcome challenges. If you are an optimist, you are forced to have faith in humanity. It has been around for a long time, as long as God Himself. This type of faith is about holding a positive view, trusting that some people are inherently good and that cooperation and compassion can exist in society and overcome evil. Faith in God can be a powerful and influential force in shaping one’s beliefs, attitudes, and actions. It can provide comfort and support during difficult times, inspire hope, and guide individuals in their decision-making processes. But know this for sure, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved“ (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the Faith that saves!

Contemplations

• Do you know how you became a faith-filled person?
  • Ideas to Explore: Have you written down your testimony for your family and friends? Can you share your faith with others?
• Are there people, family, neighbors, or events that come to mind where your faith in God and Jesus seem to come together?
  • Ideas to Explore: Who are the people in your life who shared their faith with you? How did you respond?
• Some people have had a Damascus Experience, where God chose to make His presence in their life through a major traumatic event. How do these events manifest themselves into faith?
  • Ideas to Explore: Hope gives us faith. Being close to the reality of God gives us faith. A gracious and open heart lets faith in.
• Do you get joy from your faith?
  • Ideas to Explore: Faith should bring joy, not fear. If there is fear, who put it there?
• What are the dangers of creating a world dependent upon government?
  • Ideas to Explore: All who have tried before, have failed. Government is about power and the loss of freedom. Free will is destroyed.
• What would you call a government without God?
  • Ideas to Explore: Communism, Totalitarianism, add your favorite names.

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  https://ministry-to-children.com/childrens-ministry-statistics/
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  https://amotherfarfromhome.com/94-of-christians-were-saved-before-18-years-of-age/

We love to compare quarterbacks, pitchers, NBA centers, tennis players, and golf professionals to see which of the historical greats was the Greatest of All Time. It might be interesting to do the same for biblical leaders and see who carries the title of G.O.A.T. If we can find a few that fit the criteria, let’s see what they had in common and why they were great. Our search is, of course, subjective and varies depending on individual perspectives and religious beliefs. Different people may have different criteria for evaluating any king’s greatness, such as their military successes, political achievements, or religious devotion. We will limit our search to the Bible and its impact on the nation of Israel.

King David (1035 – 970 BC)

(Acts 13:22)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'”

In the biblical tradition, King David is often regarded as making the list of the greatest kings of Israel. David was known for his deep and genuine devotion to God. He sought to follow God’s will and had a strong desire to please Him in all his actions. According to the Hebrew Bible, God made a covenant with David, promising that his descendants would have an everlasting reign and that the future Messiah would come from his lineage. This covenant is known as the Davidic Covenant.

Most know the story of David, a simple shepherd boy, chosen by God as a future king. Saul, the king at the time, mentored David. With a stone slung at Goliath, David’s bravery quickly became a threat to Saul’s greatness. You can read the story in (1 Samuel 23:7-29). Here, we get a glimpse of David’s deep and genuine devotion to God. He sought to follow God’s will and had a strong desire to please Him in all his actions. Later, as a king, David led the Israelites to numerous military victories, expanding the kingdom’s territory and securing its borders. He defeated the Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, Ammonites, and other neighboring nations, establishing a period of relative peace and security.

David brought people together, he was a uniter, not a divider.  His efforts successfully united the northern and southern tribes, establishing a centralized monarchy and creating a stronger, more cohesive nation. He captured the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem and made it his capital, transforming the city into a center of political, religious, and cultural significance. This included bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem.

David’s attributes that we should all aspire to were his spirit to defend his country. He was a skilled warrior and courageous, fair, just, merciful, led with wisdom, and always fought for what was right by God’s standards. David’s story includes that of a humble and repentant sinner, having murdered for the lust of a woman. He acknowledged both his faults and his love for God. In the end, David’s legacy would leave us with both poetry and psalms, an insight into his very soul. As a leader, David protected his people, and his life was blessed by God.

King Solomon (970-931 BC)

(1 Kings 3:9) – “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

Solomon was David’s son. He is known best for responding to God’s request to prepare him for becoming a king. His response was only to be given wisdom to lead the people (1 Kings 3:1-15). King Solomon always referred to himself as God’s servant, acknowledging his role as a leader responsible for governing God’s people. He is credited with building the First Temple in Jerusalem. This grand temple was considered a magnificent structure and became the center of religious worship for the Israelites. His father David had amassed building materials in preparation for his son to complete the task (1 Chronicles 22:1-10). Solomon played a crucial role in establishing trade alliances and fostering economic growth. He engaged in international trade, forming partnerships with neighboring kingdoms, including Egypt, Phoenicia, and Arabia. Through these trade relationships, Solomon brought great wealth and prosperity to Israel.

Solomon undertook various infrastructure projects to enhance the kingdom’s efficiency and prosperity. He constructed cities, fortified strategic locations, and developed an extensive network of roads to facilitate trade and communication. By originally asking God for the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, Solomon shows his commitment to upholding justice and righteousness in his leadership. He was best known for his wisdom, which was exemplified by his famous judgment in the case of two women claiming to be the mother of the same child (1 Kings 3:16-28). His wise decision to split the baby in half, thus revealing the true mother’s love and sacrifice, demonstrated his ability to discern truth and apply justice. Solomon’s prayers demonstrate his faith and reliance on God for guidance and direction in fulfilling his role as king. King Solomon is traditionally attributed authorship or inspiration for several biblical books, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These writings contain philosophical insights, moral teachings, and expressions of love and desire, contributing to Israelite literature and culture.

Solomon’s reign was relatively peaceful, allowing him to focus on building up Israel’s military strength and fortifying its defenses. This ensured the safety and security of his kingdom, protecting the people from external threats. His diplomatic skills and alliances helped maintain peace and stability in the region. Through strategic marriages, he forged alliances with neighboring kings, strengthening political ties, and fostering peace between kingdoms. Solomon was not without his weaknesses. He married foreign wives who brought their idolatrous practices into the kingdom, leading Solomon to worship false gods and neglect his commitment to the God of Israel. His affluence may have led to extravagance, excessive taxation, and burden on the people, causing dissatisfaction among his subjects. Solomon’s failure to designate a clear and capable successor led to instability after his death. His reign marked the beginning of a decline that eventually led to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah.

King Hezekiah (approximately 715-686 BC)

(2 Kings 18:5) – “Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.”

Hezekiah was the 13th successor of David, reigning in Judah’s southern kingdom. He reigned for 29 years, beginning at age 25 (2 Kings 18:2). As a member of this royal lineage, Hezekiah would have likely been familiar with the traditions and stories surrounding David and Solomon. There is no specific mention, however, of their influence on his education in biblical accounts. Hezekiah had a reputation as one of the most righteous and reform-minded kings of the Bible. Hezekiah’s faith and trust in God were central to his reign. He sought God’s guidance and relied on Him in times of difficulty and decision-making. He sought to remove idolatry from the kingdom of Judah (southern) and restore the proper worship of the God of Israel. When Hezekiah took power, the Temple in Jerusalem was closed. He reopened the doors, made repairs, and reinstated the observance of the Passover and other religious festivals according to the laws of Moses.

King Hezekiah then embarked on a campaign to remove pagan altars, idols, and high places dedicated to false gods throughout the kingdom. He tore down the high places and the “bronze serpent” (an object of idolatrous worship) that had been associated with the worship of the Canaanite deity Baal. Hezekiah had an unwavering trust in God. When the Assyrian empire threatened to invade Judah, he sought divine guidance and turned to God for help. Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah implored God for deliverance, and according to the biblical account, God miraculously intervened and saved Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. While facing the threat of an Assyrian siege, Hezekiah initiated a remarkable engineering project to secure the water supply for Jerusalem. He ordered the construction of a tunnel that diverted the water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam, ensuring a reliable water source within the city walls.

Hezekiah was known for his commitment to following God’s commandments and leading the people of Judah to do the same. Hezekiah emphasized the importance of education and sought to promote knowledge and understanding among his people. He encouraged the study of the Law of Moses and ensured that priests and Levites were well-versed in its teachings. The king worked to improve the economic and administrative infrastructure of Judah. He organized the kingdom’s resources, implemented measures to increase agricultural productivity, and fortified various cities to defend against external threats. Hezekiah’s reign contributed to a period of stability, religious revival, and cultural growth in the Kingdom of Judah and left a lasting impact on the spiritual and political development of the nation of Israel.

Attributes of the Greatest of Them All

Choosing the greatest Old Testament king is no easy task. There are, however, common characteristics that stand out. Here is a partial list:

• A strong faith in God.
• Followed God’s Laws.
• They were not perfect. It speaks to the gift of God’s forgiveness and grace that is so visible in our Bible.
• These men loved their nation. Nothing deterred them from protecting the people they served.
• They removed the past mistakes of prior kings. The religious beliefs of their nation were rebuilt, and cults were removed (the exception being Solomon).
• The infrastructure of their nation was improved for the benefit of its people.
• They united people around the “Love of God.”
• Their wisdom has stood the test of time.

Picking the G.O.A.T

David was the warrior, leading his people through tumultuous times. He was favored by God, whose covenant established the lineage to bring us our Savior, Jesus Christ. Solomon’s humble request for wisdom gained his favor with God. But the riches and lifestyle he led planted the seeds of destruction for his nation. My vote is for Hezekiah, a king willing to undo the damage of past mistakes. Hezekiah thought only of his people, leading them to a lasting faith in God that endures even today. He went against great odds to bring his nation back to God. This lesson shows that a nation’s leader, a family leader, and a business leader can learn from history. Every attribute in our list is beneficial and necessary for our society and our nation to prosper.

Contemplations

• Who would you pick as G.O.A.T. and why?
  • Ideas to Explore: The Imperfections of David The wisdom and humility of Solomon The commitment to God of Hezekiah
• Of the obvious attributes we have looked at here, what one stands out to you?
  • Ideas to Explore: Why did you choose the one you did? What experiences have you had that influenced your decision?
• What is your opinion on the “Faith” component that our three kings all had?
  • Ideas to Explore: Can you be a G.O.A.T. without God? Is a person’s greatness limited to this world or the eternal world?
• Two of our candidates for greatness were imperfect, sinful people, and the third was no doubt imperfect; it is just that no one wrote down his sins. How does that make you feel?
  • Ideas to Explore: Can someone be great without forgiveness? Can someone be happy without forgiveness?
• Do you see a relationship between someone’s love of country and the love of God?
  • Ideas to Explore: What is greatness? Does wealth or power mean anything in the long run?

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Imago Dei is the Latin translation for “Image of God” as found in Genesis, our creation story. It is significant because this establishes the principle that every human being has inherent value and worth. Understanding one’s ancestry should provide us with a sense of belonging and identity, enabling people to appreciate and connect with their heritage, traditions, and customs. Human history is one of identical beginnings. Humanity started as one culture, language, and set of values. In other words, we are all part of the same “human race” emanating from God’s image and His character.

(Genesis 1:27)¹NIV New International Version Translations– “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

This simple statement embedded in God’s Word establishes our belief in having been created in the image of God (emphasis on the worth and dignity of every individual). All human beings possess a unique and intrinsic value that isn’t dependent on such things as accomplishments, abilities, color, or social status. God commands us then to respect human life, have compassion for those in need, and pursue justice and equality on behalf of those who have been disenfranchised within our world. Being made in the image of God implies that humans can have a relationship with their Creator. It signifies that we share a unique connection with God, thus allowing for communication, worship, and a sense of belonging. It is through this relationship that we can find comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose in life.

The bottom line is that humans are different than all other forms of life! No living creature on our earth has been gifted with our privileges. “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:28). Because we are all related, our Creator extends to us His protection.

(Genesis 9:5-6) – “And for your lifeblood, I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”

The belief in “Imago Dei” also suggests that humans possess unique qualities and abilities that set them apart from the rest of creation. It implies that individuals have the capacity for creativity, rationality, self-awareness, and spiritual experiences. Humans can inspire other individuals to discover and develop their full potential, seeking to fulfill their purpose and contribute positively to the world. But then there was this thing called free will. We were granted complete freedom to make choices, even ignore our Creator. Much like human relationships, our relationship with God was established on voluntary principles. We all know the story; humanity destroyed its relationship with God. However, because we are “Imago Dei,” God came to us as His Incarnate self and offered each of us redemption and restoration. It is the belief in Christ that should provide comfort and assurance of divine grace, forgiveness, and the possibility of spiritual growth and renewal. God is humanity’s hope!

There are also moral implications attached to being created in God’s image. If, as humans, we reflect on God’s image for a moment, we can find certain qualities and virtues that reflect God’s character. These godly characteristics form the foundation for ethical behavior and the pursuit of moral values in our world. Christ sums up God beautifully with His prayer, “Our Father.” Like a father, God cares for us. He teaches, punishes, forgives, and loves. These are some of the same characteristics of humanity that are on display in our interactions with others.

(John 3:16-17) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Our World Today

We are experiencing a world where the innocent are being punished and the guilty are praised and rewarded! Rulers, government leaders,  and an unseen bureaucracy create restrictive laws of the land while ignoring God’s Laws. They are profiteers, working at the expense of humanity. Our justice system has brought us more crimes against the innocent. If then, people have the skill to overcome this behavior,  our question should be how can we fix things? As a world and nation, we have been here before. The response was that godly leaders gave us a Constitution based on our Creator’s plan for this world. It is time to value it and follow it again!

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. (1787)”

If humanity is to ever claim an inheritance of God-like characteristics from Imago Dei, we must use those godly characteristics to improve our world. The leaders of our country, and of our world must also be godly people. Both the responsibility and accountability of this task rests with us. In a representative government, we have no one to blame but ourselves for the mess we have today.

Respect for Individual Rights: A free society upholds the protection and respect for individual rights, including fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and the right to private property. Recognizing and safeguarding these rights provides the foundation for personal freedom and the ability to express oneself freely. God promotes values such as justice, fairness, and compassion.  “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Treating others as you would like to be treated is a pretty good summation, don’t you think? That is the kind of respect and individual rights our God gives us.

Rule of Law: The rule of law ensures that laws apply equally to all members of society, including those in positions of power. It establishes a framework that governs behavior, promotes fairness, and provides a predictable and consistent legal system. A free society requires a robust legal framework that protects individual rights, promotes justice, and prevents the arbitrary exercise of power. In fact, God is the Law and justly applies the Law to all.

(Romans 13:1-7) – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

The value of conscience and religious freedom: The Bible upholds the value of conscience and the freedom to worship and follow one’s religious beliefs. For example, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul defends the freedom of conscience and the right to worship according to one’s faith in passages such as (Romans 14) and (1 Corinthians 8). Limited government can help protect these freedoms by refraining from excessive interference in matters of personal belief and religious practice. God gives you the right to make a choice. The logical choice is Imago Dei.

Economic Freedom: Protection of property rights, free markets, and voluntary exchange is important for a free society. It allows individuals to pursue their economic interests, promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, and prosperity, and fosters an environment that encourages individual initiative and self-reliance. “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves” (1 Peter 2:16). This is but a sampling of the generosity of our God.

Individual responsibility and accountability: The Bible emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability before God. This suggests that individuals should have the freedom to make choices and be accountable for their actions.  A limited government can provide the space for individuals to exercise their judgment and bear the consequences of their decisions. “So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). What else would you expect from a Creator who is responsible and accountable to His creation?

God as the ultimate authority: The Bible places God as the ultimate authority over human affairs. This implies that human governments must operate within the limits set by God and respect the inherent rights and freedoms of individuals. “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” (Acts 5:29). There should never be any confusion.

Limited Government: In a free society, government power is limited and restrained to prevent its encroachment on individual liberties. This includes checks and balances among the branches of government, separation of powers, and mechanisms for accountability and transparency. A limited government framework helps prevent the concentration of power and protects against potential abuses. “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his own people work for nothing, not paying them for their labor ” (Jeremiah 2:13). God expects that the leaders of His earthly kingdom are moving the people to depend on God and not become more dependent upon government.

Civic Engagement and Participation: The active engagement and participation of citizens in the democratic process are critical for the sustainability of a free society. This includes informed voting, expressing opinions, peaceful assembly, and involvement in community and civil society organizations. An engaged citizenry helps ensure accountability, representation, and the collective shaping of public policies. “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). God is involved in our world. We should be involved too!

Justice and Fairness: The Bible consistently promotes principles of justice, fairness, and concern for the poor and marginalized. Economic freedom, when accompanied by a just and equitable society, can provide opportunities for individuals to flourish and for resources to be distributed more fairly, reducing poverty, and enabling individuals to live with dignity. This, however, does not negate the necessity for repentance. The idea of individuals changing direction in their lives is a mainstay of the principles of salvation. There has never been a free pass for sin! “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Justice is not complex if you apply God’s Laws and standards to its application.

Stewardship and Provision: The Bible teaches principles of stewardship and provision, emphasizing the responsibility to manage resources wisely and to provide for oneself and others. Economic freedom, such as the ability to pursue personal endeavors and engage in entrepreneurship, can create opportunities for individuals to fulfill their responsibilities and provide for their families and communities. Such a society removes the necessity for governmental programs that too often work in opposition to the benefits brought by creativity and hard work.

(Matthew 5:13-16) – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Conclusion

The characteristics necessary to build a healthy society are the same as those we have inherited from our Creator. While God has many more (See God’s Characteristics Here), we have been given what is necessary to make our world a better place. Humanity has no excuse. We also have the benefit of knowing the history of Christ on Earth. Here we get to see, in human form, the characteristics of God at work. Therefore, humanity’s job must be to use its gifts to embrace, lift, and help spread God’s Kingdom so our world can hope again.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Contemplations

• What do you place your hope in?
  • Ideas to Explore: Digital Currency, your investments, your knowledge and position in the world, your net worth, your humility before God, Jesus, or just God?
• How would you bring God back to our country?
  • Ideas to Explore: Change the goals of education, elect more godly people, shrink the secret bureaucracy, and hold leaders and media accountable for telling the Truth.
• What is your strategy for living?
  • Ideas to Explore: Hide in the basement, attend church and ignore the world, be active and engaged, raise godly children, and stand firm for our Constitutional rights. Please name your plan.
• What will you do tomorrow to help our world?
  • Ideas to Explore: Pay attention to the issues and problems, seek to find the causes, and actively pursue solutions.

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  NIV New International Version Translations

Deuteronomy 28:43-44 is a passage from the Old Testament that takes us back to a covenant between God and the Israelites. This passage is part of the blessings and curses pronounced by Moses on the Israelites. It was a conditional statement that depended on obedience or disobedience to God’s commands. You remember, the Big 10!

(Deuteronomy 28:43-44)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “The foreigners who reside among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. They will lend to you, but you will not lend to them. They will be the head, but you will be the tail.”

In this context of God’s covenant with the Israelites, it was a warning of the consequences of disobedience. Should the Israelites turn away from God and His commandments, they would experience a reversal of fortune, with foreigners and strangers rising above them as part of God’s judgment. We can take from this that God takes sin seriously! When He finds it in His people, God chastises and disciplines them for their disobedience! Like any good parent, God applies discipline to correct bad behavior. He does this individually as well as nationally. The question before us, therefore, is whether God still cares enough about His world, our nation, to discipline His creation, to discipline us.

If you believe that there is a God who is still active in our world, we would expect to see His footprints in our history. The warnings in Deuteronomy offer a glimpse of what God’s discipline might look like. Each of us must reconcile the many periods of foreign oppression, wars, and even exile for some, as to whether these are but part of the fulfillment of the warnings in this passage. The world has been told many times that obedience to God’s commands is essential for its well-being. When people turn away from God’s guidance, they may find themselves in a state of decline and subservience, both individually, as a community, and as a nation. Is there evidence that this is happening today?

There are three things this verse in Deuteronomy tells us we should see in our nation if its warnings are relevant. These are:

• An “invasion” of foreigners from abroad!
• The “control of wealth” shifting to the foreigners!
• A shift in “power,” away from our nation’s people to foreigners!

Invasion

The Hebrew word used for “foreigner” is “ger,” an alien. To help us with our definitions, let us establish that to be a foreigner or an alien, one must be a person born in or coming from a country other than our own. “No one from the east or the west or the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another “(Psalm 75:6-7). The previous Psalm helps us to understand part of the caution in Deuteronomy. A nation’s success or prosperity is not dependent on anything in their nation or any natural advantages or resources. It is not based on any human skill or special power a nation might hold. It is dependent on God alone. The foreigners in Deuteronomy are doing more than visiting. They are integrating into society, living among the citizens of that nation. The question only you can answer is: Are we being invaded? Over five million people have entered our country illegally in just the past two years. Estimates are over 16 million in total. We do not know who many of them are, or the reasons for their entry. (See Lostpine’s Study: Immigration and the Bible – Lostpine).

Wealth

Next, we need to look at who will have (at least control of) the money! The question here is whether the hard-working citizens are the ones in control or is it the “invaders.” When you are a lender, you are wealthy and in control. A borrower has lost control of their resources. In other words, God has taken their wealth from them.

(Proverbs 22:7) – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

This is a link to the National Debt Clock. Please click on it to see the real-time debt of our nation (https://www.usdebtclock.org/). Sitting now at over 33 trillion dollars, that is over a $578,000+ liability for each citizen that must be paid back someday. The debt is so large that our children and grandchildren will receive our lack of financial discipline as their inheritance from us. It will take many generations to pay this debt. From a Biblical perspective, Deuteronomy reminds us of the importance of treating strangers and sojourners fairly and justly. The consequences, however, of our debt are just one example of our society’s failure to uphold these principles. Are those entering our nation being misled by promises of great riches? Are the citizens who have created this great country watching their wealth being squandered by our leaders? Should some of those “foreigners” choose to become citizens, they also will share in the debt. “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” (Proverbs 22:26-27). Foreign wealth continues to influence our elections and justice system.

Power

The question at hand is whether the people in our country still have power. The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with the famous words, “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union…” This opening statement underscores that the Constitution is a product of the people’s will and seeks to establish a government that serves the people’s interests. Our Constitution established a system of representative democracy, where the people elect representatives to make decisions on the people’s behalf. This is evident in the structure of Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) as well as state and local governments. The Constitution includes a process for amending the document, which allows for changes and additions based on the evolving will of the people. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, protect the people’s rights and liberties. Only you can answer the question, are the people still in charge? “They will lend to you, but you will not lend to them. They will be the head, but you will be the tail” (Deuteronomy 28:44). As a reminder, the American Revolution was fraught with currency control, taxes, debt, eventually a complete attempt to remove colonial freedoms. It was a costly road to travel down.

What do you see on the horizon?

Population Growth is driven primarily by births and immigration. Like many other developed countries, the United States has an aging population. The baby boomer generation is reaching retirement age, placing pressure on healthcare, social security, and the labor force. The lack of clear immigration policies is having a substantial impact on the composition and growth of the population. The U.S. population is becoming increasingly diverse, with significant growth in Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial populations. Population shifts within the United States have begun as people seek better economic opportunities, job markets, and concerns over personal safety. Natural disasters and climate change will also influence population shifts. For example, some coastal areas may see population declines due to sea-level rise and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events. These, by the way, are real events. What is controversial is how humanity can impact them.

The U.S. Constitution has three areas that describe the solution. They are:

• Article I, Section 8: This section grants Congress the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and make laws necessary and proper for the execution of its powers. These powers are given exclusively to Congress, not the bureaucracy, and are to be exercised on behalf of the people. They are subject to the people’s input through fair elections.
• Article II: The President, whom the people elect through the Electoral College, is the head of the executive branch of government and is accountable to the people.
• Article III: The federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court, interprets and applies the Constitution, ensuring that the government’s actions are in line with the principles and rights protected by the Constitution. The judiciary does not create laws or alter the U.S. Constitution. Only the “people’s representatives” do! Unless the laws are justly and fairly applied, our Constitution offers nothing to the benefit of the people.

Governments must exist to serve the will and interests of the people they represent. The Constitution outlines a process and system of government in which the people retain the power to elect their representatives, participate in the amendment process, and hold their leaders accountable through democratic processes. But let’s go back to the beginning. It is also all about sin and who is in charge. We must, as a nation, bring God back to our families, schools, and governments. God’s Truth must rule again! We must find leaders who have humble hearts and can lead us back to God. We will not win without God. We cannot win without God! But with God on our side, how can we lose? “Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. ~ William Penn

(Psalm 60:12-13) – “Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God, we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”

Contemplations

• What are the issues before our nation that you see?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you happy with the status quo? Is our present debt a problem? What do you see as the risks of uncontrolled immigration?
• Why do you think our nation believes that it can survive without God’s assistance?
  • Ideas to Explore: Ungodly leadership, removal of God from society, the love of self and sin, the influence of destructive people, a declining educational system, biased media, please add to the list.
• Do you think our nation still believes in God?
  • Ideas to Explore: Where is the evidence?
• Can existential threats such as climate, immigration, debt, energy, war, and even racism be solved without God?
  • Ideas to Explore: The American Revolution, and the creation of the U.S. Constitution were all done with full reliance on the providence of God. Can peace and prosperity exist without God?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

During the period when Jerusalem had active gates in its walls (2,000 to 3,000 years ago), those gates served as the entry and exit points where people would come and go throughout the day. Those gates became popular social hubs where people could meet, interact, and exchange information. Travelers and merchants brought news from their places of origin or the areas they had recently visited.  Given the lack of widespread literacy, oral communication played a crucial role in news dissemination. The “gates” acted as the “watchmen” for society.

With the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, specifically around 1440-1450, there was a significant turning point in how news was spread. The printing press revolutionized the process of producing written material, including books, pamphlets, and newspapers. The printing press contributed to the development of journalism as a profession. The availability of printed news publications led to the emergence of dedicated news organizations and the establishment of newspapers. Journalists could now investigate, report, and analyze news in a more systematic and organized manner, shaping the modern practice of journalism. Newspapers, printed media along with discerning journalists became the new watchmen of our society. Today, printed news is shrinking as a medium, and “Cable News,” electronic transmission of information, is the principal source of news information. Our watchmen became the news anchors and celebrities of radio and television.

(Ezekiel 33:6)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’”

God has always held the role of watchman in the highest regard. Biblical watchmen served as a nation’s guards. They were responsible for protecting towns and military installations from surprise enemy attacks and other potential dangers. Ancient Israelite cities often stationed watchmen on high walls or in watchtowers. Their job was to keep watch and warn the townspeople of impending threats. The Hebrew word, “tsaphah,” translated means “one who looks out,” “one who spies,” or “one who watches.” Watchmen safeguarded fields and vineyards during harvest time (Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1) and acted as sentinels who announced the start of a new day (Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12). God’s prophets were spiritual watchmen.

(Ezekiel 33:7-9) – “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”

The question we should all ask is what has happened to the role of the investigative journalist, our watchmen today? Does God still care about what news His people hear? Let’s look at a few trends in today’s media and compare them to God’s Truth on the subject.

Investigative journalism is a form of journalism in which reporters deeply research a single topic of interest, such as serious crimes, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing. Misinformation, on the other hand, is spreading or believing in false or inaccurate information without questioning its validity or seeking reliable sources. “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps (Proverbs 14:15).” This Proverbs highlights the importance of being discerning and thoughtful rather than easily believing everything one hears. Both the journalist and the citizen are held to this standard. God first lays the responsibility at our feet. Not pursuing knowledge is intellectual laziness. To have a lack of curiosity or effort to explore, learn, or research a subject, resulting in superficial knowledge or reliance on assumptions does not fit our biblical standards. “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out (Proverbs 18:15).” When we spread unverified facts, we harm our friends and neighbors. “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another (Ephesians 4:25).” This verse encourages honesty and truthfulness in our interactions with others, implying the importance of avoiding falsehood and deceit.

Today, our society is being taught to dismiss or ignore the opinions, experiences, or expertise of others, leading to a narrow understanding and an inability to learn from different viewpoints. “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice (Proverbs 12:15).” This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to advice and considering the perspectives of others. It contrasts the wisdom of those who are open to input with the foolishness of those who stubbornly believe they are always right.

(Proverbs 18:2) – “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”

This verse above highlights the tendency of fools to prioritize expressing their own opinions over seeking understanding. It suggests that a refusal to listen and understand can be a characteristic of folly. This can be seen today using slogans, bigotry, and hatred embedded in our news. Stereotyping holds biased or simplistic views about individuals or groups based on limited or flawed information, leading to generalizations and unfair judgments.

(James 2:1-4) – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

The verse above from the Book of James highlights the importance of avoiding partiality, unfair judgments, and favoritism. It warns against making distinctions and treating individuals differently based on their external appearances, such as wealth or social status. By doing so, the verse suggests that people engage in unfair judgments and become judges with evil motives. Our correct response should be to treat all individuals with equal respect and dignity, rather than making assumptions or judgments based on limited or superficial information. Whatever happened to people keeping an open mind? Today, our media holds to a rigid mindset and is resistant to new ideas, alternative perspectives, or information that challenges their preconceived notions.  “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice (Proverbs 19:20).”

Finally, there is the proverbial resistance to change. This is being resistant to new knowledge or ideas, and clinging to outdated beliefs or traditions despite evidence to the contrary. It can also be the continued references to those facts that have been discredited as false. We see every day how our media publishes outdated beliefs. The role of an investigative journalist is to evaluate and examine everything, holding on to that which is good and true.

(1 Thessalonians 5:21) – “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”

The term “Ignorance” refers to a lack of knowledge, understanding, or awareness about a particular subject or topic. It is the state of being uninformed, uninstructed, or unaware of something. Ignorance manifests in various ways, such as a lack of information, misconceptions, or the absence of critical thinking skills. Society believes that ignorance is a temporary condition, remedied through education, learning, and the acquisition of knowledge. However, it is different from willful or deliberate ignorance, where individuals intentionally choose to ignore or reject information despite the availability of information to the contrary. Today, investigative journalism is dead. Opinion news is alive and well. Fixing journalism will take the re-education of our world in God’s Truths. Restoring today’s media to the role of watchman will require repentance and the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).”

(Ephesians 4:18) – “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.”

Contemplations

• What do you do to assure yourself that the “news” you hear is correct?
  • Ideas to Explore: Use multiple and opposing sources. Fact-check yourself. Seek contrary opinions from respected friends? Compare what you hear and see to God’s Truths exposed in His Word.
• History tells us that evil first strikes at the communication systems of a nation. Do you believe that?
  • Ideas to Explore: How much do you know about World War II? What about the Vietnam War? Is news biased toward a two-tier justice system? Can you identify things that are true and things that are not true?
• Do you believe that the movement to remove a parent’s rights concerning their children is OK?
  • Ideas to Explore: How does something as basic as parental rights slip away from parents? Is it because we elect the wrong people, or has the media misinformed us of the real problem?
• Who are our honest watchmen today?
  • Ideas to Explore: What people or groups of people are researching the issues, telling the truth to us?
• Every country that ever went to war had watchmen to tell them why it was time to fight. Every country that ever lost a war, understands why we need honest watchmen. How big do you think the problem is?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you sure you believe the right facts? How are you sure? Does what you believe line up with God’s Truth?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a well-known story from the New Testament (Luke 10:25-37). The Parable of the Good Samaritan tells the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, and while on the way he is robbed of everything he had, including his clothing, and is beaten to within an inch of his life. That road was treacherous, with many turns that were favorite hideouts of robbers and thieves. We might compare it today to a transit ride into New York City. Recently, on a New York transit train, politicians of both major parties have used the parable in both the defense and rebuke of a “stand your ground” act. This study will not directly look at the events in New York. However, it is worth our time to see exactly what this parable was about and what it teaches us.

(Luke 10:25-37) ¹NIV New International Version Translations– “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ’Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ In reply, Jesus said:  ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

Jesus answers the question with a question: “He said to him, ’What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’” (Luke 10:26). By referring to the Law, Jesus is directing the man who asked him a question to an authority they both would accept as truth, the Old Testament. He is asking the scribe, what does Scripture say about this and how does he interpret it? Jesus thus avoids an argument and puts Himself in the position of evaluating the scribe’s answer instead of the scribe evaluating His answer. This directs the discussion toward Jesus’ intended lesson. The scribe answers Jesus’ question by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. This is virtually the same answer that Jesus had given before to similar questions in Matthew 22 and Mark 12.

Compassion and Kindness: The parable highlights the importance of showing compassion and kindness towards others, particularly those in need. The Samaritan, who is traditionally seen as an outsider or enemy by the Jews, demonstrates extraordinary compassion by helping a stranger who was beaten and left half-dead on the roadside. It encourages individuals to extend their care and assistance to those who are suffering or in distress, regardless of their background or social status.

Overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination: The parable challenges the prevailing prejudices and biases of its time. The Samaritans and Jews had a history of animosity and religious differences, but the parable emphasizes that acts of kindness and mercy should transcend such divisions. It encourages people to overcome their biases and treat others with love and respect, regardless of their differences.

Practical Love and Service: The parable emphasizes the importance of taking practical action to help others. The Samaritan not only felt compassion but also acted on it by bandaging the victim’s wounds, taking him to an inn, and providing for his care. It teaches that love and service should go beyond mere words or sentiments and should be expressed through tangible actions.

Compassion is an intrinsic human quality that arises from empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to alleviate suffering or help others. It is a voluntary expression of care and concern. While laws and statutes can promote and encourage compassionate behavior, they cannot directly force or compel individuals to feel compassionate. Legislation and policies can create a supportive environment that encourages empathy and compassion, even providing resources, social services, and protections for vulnerable populations. They can also establish frameworks for addressing social issues and promoting justice and equality. However, the motivation behind compassionate actions ultimately comes from within individuals and cannot be coerced solely through laws or statutes.

Jesus used the parable to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” The parable broadens the definition of neighbor to include anyone in need, irrespective of their race, religion, or social standing. It emphasizes the universal call to love and care for one another, reminding people that everyone is their neighbor and deserving of their help and support.

Using the parable to describe the New York Transit Event

Before we can overlay the parable onto a specific event, there are critical points to identify.  There were two victims in the transit train, one was being attacked. The other is a long-term felon responsible for the attack. He too, was a victim. With over 40 arrests, he was never helped by our society. Good samaritans would intervene to stop the attack. In defending the victim, the felon died at the hands of an intercessor. Our parable has different characters that need understanding. There were “robbers,” the people responsible for the attack on the victim. There were the priest and the Levite, who knew God’s Law; the victim; and those who chose not to get involved. Finally, there was the “good Samaritan,” the person who interceded. You have the same characters in our contemporary story on the New York train. You even have the silent witnesses, the ones who knew better, riding on the train. A few helped in the defense of the victim. There is the “perpetrator, the aggressor,” the one that New York’s justice system had failed to reform or help. There is the “victim,” the one who could not defend themselves, and you have the “intercessors,” the persons who were compelled by compassion to help. True compassion is a personal and voluntary response to the needs of others, driven by genuine care and concern. The lack of enforcement of societal norms and expectations has become a moving target and rarely aligns with God’s Word. District attorneys justify the release of felons and the lack of restorative justice in the name of compassion. It calls for us to be careful about exactly how we define victimhood. A misguided system of justice caused the need for people of compassion to become involved in New York and seek self-defense.

Personal Responsibility: The parable highlights an individual’s responsibility to help others. It contrasts the actions of the priest and the Levite, who passed by the wounded man without stopping to help with the Samaritan’s compassionate response. It challenges individuals to examine their actions and attitudes, encouraging them to take personal responsibility for showing kindness and compassion. The parable presents the act of helping the disadvantaged as a moral imperative, highlighting the importance of personal character and ethical behavior.

The parable shows a single act of compassion towards one person in need. It emphasizes the immediate and direct impact an individual can have on another’s life. In contrast, governmental policies aim to address systemic issues and often have a broader scope, aiming to help a more significant number of disadvantaged individuals and communities. Politicians introducing Jesus’ parable into their mantra step out on thin ice. It is the heart of the good Samaritan that is the lesson, not the societal rules that might mandate equity or social justice programs. To examine who is right and who is wrong, we need to address the human hearts involved!

It is important to understand that the parable of the Good Samaritan addressing the disadvantaged serves a specific purpose. The parable focuses on moral and individual transformation, inspiring people to exhibit compassion and kindness in their personal lives. In Jesus’ parable, we see that the good Samaritan used his resources voluntarily to benefit the victim. This would have been a very different story if the Samaritan leaders had reached into the good Samaritan’s purse or citizens’ taxes to pay the victim’s bills. Or worse yet, determined that the “robbers” were the victims and gave them free resources, including a free room at the inn in the hope of deterring future crimes.    

Yes, we are called to compassion: (Ephesians 4:32} – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Yes, we are granted the right to self-defense: (Luke 22:36) — “He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.’”

Contemplations

• Where do we learn compassion?
  • Ideas to Explore: Family, school, church, experience?
• Does God call us to be generous to everyone, even those who have no need?
  • Ideas to Explore: Laws, statutes, governmental regulations.
• Can you force someone to be compassionate?
  • Ideas to Explore: To those who have no need? How about those who are mentally ill? What about the homeless on drugs? How would you handle each group?
• Do you believe in the right of self-defense?
  • Ideas to Explore: How was your opinion formed? Where in Scripture do you find support for your opinion?
• How would you prioritize the rights of those in the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
  • Ideas to Explore: The citizens of Samaria, the government of Samaria, the Priest and Levite, the robbers, the Good Samaritan, the innkeeper, and the victim?
• Does compassion count if it is done with someone else’s resources?
  • Ideas to Explore: Can someone be forced to be compassionate?

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  NIV New International Version Translations