Temporarily Best

Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? Psalm 2:1

Aristotle, one of the philosophers of ancient Greece, who 300 years before Christ, had some surprising words to say about democracy. He referred to a democracy as that government in which "the majority" makes the rules, but they do it for their own personal good. His preference was not a democracy, but rather a Republic (he called it a polity), in which the majority still makes the rules, but they do it for the common good.

When the Scripture speaks about a democracy, it refers to "the peoples devising a vain thing." I'm not sure that Aristotle ever read Psalm 2, but both King David and the Greek philosopher had the same idea. I think King David and Aristotle would also agree that it's not so much who rules, but how they rule!

Because of the depravity of man, a Republic provides the safest measure towards government for the common good than any other form of government. Even in a Republic, however, the common good is often overlooked for vain things. This is the reason why republics, along with all other forms of government, rise and fall.

While a Republic may be temporarily best for our time, the good news is that One is coming will receive the nations as His inheritance (Psalm 2:8). When his kingdom is established, "then all these things shall be added unto you."

In His Grace –

Randy White

Heavenly Father, help us to do our part to make the temporary best the best it can be. But help us never lose sight that the best is yet to be! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

An upside down world

2 Corinthians 12:14  Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Several years ago Hillary Clinton, currently serving as Secretary of State, wrote a book entitled "it takes a Village." Her premise was that society joins together to raise children. While it's true that each of us have been blessed by our communities and neighborhoods, Hillary Clinton got it all wrong!

But the former First Lady really was just repeating what society has been saying for years. There is a predominant worldview that places the "village" in a predominant position. Such a worldview is fundamental to the problems that we experience in our society today. We live in a world in which the state has become the provider. Our founding fathers had no such idea. They were convinced and convicted – even willing to give their "lives, fortunes, and sacred honor" – that the state was the "child" and thus was the servant of "We the people."

Let me propose an alternate worldview. It is a worldview that is foundational to the Christian life, and has been the understanding of conservative generations since the days of Adam and Eve. Here is the worldview: it doesn't take a village, IT TAKES A PARENT!

Men and women have a natural desire and a supernatural command to procreate. They do this so that they can eventually build a village! In the village they will have opportunity to fully express their individuality. All the needs of the body, soul, and spirit will have opportunity for expression within the village. But remember, at the bottom of it all is the family unit.

When we turn the world upside down and create a nanny state, with the state providing for the children rather than the children providing for the state, we are in for a rough ride!

In His Grace –

Randy White

Heavenly Father, give me the vision to see the attack on the modern family.  Give me the wisdom to know how to stand in defense. In Jesus’ name! Amen.