I discussed with a young(er) associate of mine the moral lapses of a former presidential candidate and his subsequent downfall. I asserted that we had the right to demand high moral standards from those that sought to lead us. My friend acknowledged the fall of John Edwards, but seemed to me to miss the main point. He asserted that the source of our national moral failures was the moral failure of our leadership. This seemingly fine point would place an ambiguous, collective responsibility for moral behavior on the nebulous 'government' and absolve individuals of their responsibility for moral behavior. I had to reply, and I will share with you some thoughts on the source of morality.
Xxxxx,
One thing that you wrote mandates my reply. You asserted that morals begin at the top with government leadership. My friend, that is just plain wrong. Morality starts at the bottom with you and I as led by God and is then ascendant into the government.
The Bible recounts the story of Mary’s visit to the tomb of Jesus after his death. When Mary approached the tomb to see her slain savior one last time, she met an angel who asked, “Why seek ye the living, among the dead?” I similarly challenge you, "Why seek good among the Godless?" Moral behavior, wisdom, courage, integrity and every positive trait that we possess or seek to obtain are attributes of our personal character. They originate within the individual, are based upon our individual beliefs, are properly derived from our personal relationship with God and then are inculcated in institutions such as government by the choices and actions of men and women of character, participating in those institutions. Nota bene, two stipulations, moral character or righteousness is an individual and personal trait and it is properly based upon ones belief in God. I do not believe that it is possible for men to be good based solely upon the actions of their government. Nor are men condemned solely by the actions of their government, nor yet is unrighteousness excused due to government action or inaction. Not every German was a Nazi, nor was following their government's immoral orders exculpatory for those that were.
There are two political systems which have tried to make men good from the outside in; socialism and communism. The results have been absolute failure. Winston Churchill famously said, "Socialism can only work in two places; Heaven where they don't need it; and hell where they already have it!" Even religious systems that sought the salvation of men solely through strict adherence to rules, such as Judaism and Islam have largely failed to change the nature of man. When Jesus said, “I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly”, he was asserting that man is a perfectly created, yet flawed and imperfect creature through sin; in need of salvation, but not capable of saving himself through his own efforts. That is why we cannot seek to find Godly behavior among the Godless, and why I reject the notion that moral good must begin and end with the government. My behavior is my responsibility, however, the government should encourage moral behavior.
Here is where the rubber meets the road. As a Christian, I believe that my faith ought to be reflected in everything that I do, including my politics. I cannot support any individual that says that he or she believes in God, but who supports ungodly things. People that do not behave in a moral fashion as led by a Godly belief system are untrustworthy to govern. Now notice that this does not mean that those in power are or may be perfect, nor does it mean that we are not to obey those with authority over us because of their imperfections. It does make it a moral responsibility to seek moral leadership, but not so that they may lead us to morality, but so they will not impede us.
My last point. In the current presidential race, one candidate is all over the place enthusiastically, even evangelically proclaiming a constitutional right to be a sodomite and a baby killer. He asserts that an unborn infant can be killed because it is not yet human. In spite of his assertion that claim is not supported by medical, scientific, moral or ethical truths. I will quote a learned and profound friend of mine who observed “If a person does not have the right to be born, all other rights are moot!”
The Bible recounts the story of Mary’s visit to the tomb of Jesus after his death. When Mary approached the tomb to see her slain savior one last time, she met an angel who asked, “Why seek ye the living, among the dead?” I similarly challenge you, "Why seek good among the Godless?" Moral behavior, wisdom, courage, integrity and every positive trait that we possess or seek to obtain are attributes of our personal character. They originate within the individual, are based upon our individual beliefs, are properly derived from our personal relationship with God and then are inculcated in institutions such as government by the choices and actions of men and women of character, participating in those institutions. Nota bene, two stipulations, moral character or righteousness is an individual and personal trait and it is properly based upon ones belief in God. I do not believe that it is possible for men to be good based solely upon the actions of their government. Nor are men condemned solely by the actions of their government, nor yet is unrighteousness excused due to government action or inaction. Not every German was a Nazi, nor was following their government's immoral orders exculpatory for those that were.
There are two political systems which have tried to make men good from the outside in; socialism and communism. The results have been absolute failure. Winston Churchill famously said, "Socialism can only work in two places; Heaven where they don't need it; and hell where they already have it!" Even religious systems that sought the salvation of men solely through strict adherence to rules, such as Judaism and Islam have largely failed to change the nature of man. When Jesus said, “I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly”, he was asserting that man is a perfectly created, yet flawed and imperfect creature through sin; in need of salvation, but not capable of saving himself through his own efforts. That is why we cannot seek to find Godly behavior among the Godless, and why I reject the notion that moral good must begin and end with the government. My behavior is my responsibility, however, the government should encourage moral behavior.
Here is where the rubber meets the road. As a Christian, I believe that my faith ought to be reflected in everything that I do, including my politics. I cannot support any individual that says that he or she believes in God, but who supports ungodly things. People that do not behave in a moral fashion as led by a Godly belief system are untrustworthy to govern. Now notice that this does not mean that those in power are or may be perfect, nor does it mean that we are not to obey those with authority over us because of their imperfections. It does make it a moral responsibility to seek moral leadership, but not so that they may lead us to morality, but so they will not impede us.
My last point. In the current presidential race, one candidate is all over the place enthusiastically, even evangelically proclaiming a constitutional right to be a sodomite and a baby killer. He asserts that an unborn infant can be killed because it is not yet human. In spite of his assertion that claim is not supported by medical, scientific, moral or ethical truths. I will quote a learned and profound friend of mine who observed “If a person does not have the right to be born, all other rights are moot!”
The Bible states “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Therefore if a man would be wise, he must acknowledge a higher authority than his political affiliation and the mores of the current age. I can not select a leader that does not grasp that concept.
I remain your friend, saved by grace and flawed but fabulous.
I remain your friend, saved by grace and flawed but fabulous.
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