Weekly Feature

“The process of civilization consists of the discovery by men of the laws of the universe, and of living in harmony with those laws.”[1]

-Calvin Coolidge

As the supreme administrator of justice, God allows mankind to determine their own destiny, both as individuals and as societies, to form various types of government, applying laws and principles in an effort to create order and produce results which are observable and desirable.

Though many people in the world may question whether God notices injustice and oppression, or question His existence at all, the scriptures teach otherwise, namely that justice is one of His primary attributes, and also that he is omniscient, omnipotent, and perfect.

When a nation or society embraces and promotes wickedness, where injustice is widespread, and when institutions of government become a tool of oppression or a mechanism of favoritism for the unjust or those who seek to rise above prescribed or natural law, God does notice, and weighs them precisely, down to the smallest and last intent.

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Genesis 6:5

“…for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts…”

1 Chronicles 28:9

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

Proverbs 15:3

“The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.”

Isaiah 26:7

He gives incentive to all people to do good through his promises of heavenly reward for those who are merciful and who deal justly.… Continue Reading

A simple question to begin with to determine whether you adhere to principles of the Economy of Heaven (EH) or the Economy of Earth (EE) is as follows.

Do you like people more than you like money, or do you like money more than people? [1]

Because the quest or obsession for possessions often leads us to ignore others, or to cheating, stealing, or even killing to obtain them, followers of Christ are commanded to “…beware of covetousness” (Luke 12:15) and to “seek earnestly the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31). The best gifts are spiritual gifts, and are not to be compared to material possessions or treasures of the earth.

The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches:

“…that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

Governments in this day and age are just as guilty of covetousness as individuals or corporations are. They must be watched intently, as they tax for the purpose of expansion and self-interest rather than necessity. They are not seeking to serve their citizens but to rule over them. Paul, with his prophetic vision stated that citizens must be on guard against corruption and the conditions that may lead thereto.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

The founding fathers of the United States of America, and the other ideas that evolved over the centuries as western civilization developed, have allowed both the west, but especially the USA to attain great heights in terms of commerce and material prosperity, because it paid attention to and enthroned a fundamental truth of human nature:

wise and benevolent rulers are rare, with the majority of human governments and rulers being subject to the same tendencies and faults of men everywhere, and they must never be trusted or endowed with excessive or absolute power.… Continue Reading

Spiritual Strength in the Global Age

Just as historical patterns repeat themselves, so do spiritual patterns throughout the ages, confirming the universal nature of our experiences, and giving us hope in dealing with and overcoming obstacles that seek to oppose true progression. Modern society is concerned a great deal about character, or more precisely, the lack of it among many people who display frightening and shockingly low levels of ethical or moral conscience or civic virtue, particularly among youth and individuals who occupy positions of authority and leadership, though to be fair, all demographics seem to be moving in this direction. While nothing has really changed from the broad view of history and human conditions, the general consensus is that we are on a downward spiritual slope, faced with a rumbling tide of anger, greed, indifference, and selfishness. The fact that many people and institutions no longer feel a deeper connection with any semblance of tradition or past means that they do not have a foundation or framework with which to measure right or wrong. Their opinion and limited experience becomes the standard measuring tool in examining and determining proper behavior and standards. Paul spoke of the last days most clearly, as he described the general attitudes of humanity that would be prevalent in our day:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lover of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away… Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5,7

This prophecy of the social climate of our age could not have been more accurate, given the strong and steady diet of carnal role models who are not only allowed to conduct themselves in this manner, but who receive praise and honor for doing so.… Continue Reading