Politics and God

The earliest form of the word 'politics'  comes from the Greek word pertaining to the activities of the the city. The Greek word for city is the word 'polis'. In the Bible, a city is mentioned for the first time. It was organized by Cain (Genesis 4:16-17). Cain was one of Adam's sons who murdered Abel, his brother. It was to be a city of protection and self-governance. It is also was a city credited with the origins of polygamy.

When a group of people ban together and set up a governance system, it is subject to the vision of the people that form it.  A great example is recorded in Hebrews 11:

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:8-10

God was meant to be the governing force in our lives. A nation that bases its governing principles on God's word would be a very blessed nation indeed! The power, love and sound thinking that any nation that looks to God to govern it, is beyond what the human mind can fathom.

America was founded on principles that allow for freedom of beliefs, so it is not really a pure theocracy.  People have the freedom to worship or not worship whatever they wish as long as natural laws are not violated. Our Constitution is specifically designed to protect our freedoms.

As exhibited by Cain, human nature can dictate relationships to other people. Self-governance can be quickly taken over by self-interest. In the post-garden of Eden era, evil entered the world giving humans an opportunity to look to self-interest rather than to God. With the introduction of evil and fleshy self-centered thinking, evil pushed to exert its influence everywhere it could get a foothold. Its tools were and are gossip (even seemingly harmless gossip), lies and innuendos. God's power is based on love. Evil is based on the opposite of love. Groups became breeding grounds for self-interest as mob thinking gained a foot-hold. It is in the group that lies and gossip flourish. Gossip and lying need at least two people in order to succeed. They are the  negative culprits in communities, friendships, families, religion and, needless to say, politics.

In today's political dynamic, it is easy to detect partisan thinking, but the line between good and evil is often blurry.  It is because people don't know God and they know even less about evil (the devil). The result of this mixture is crystal clear:

6 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James 3:16

God's power is readily available to every person who knows, believes and loves him. Envy is not a product and neither is strife. God's power generates spiritual and mental order which generates genuine strength. Mental and spiritual order and peace comprise a good measuring stick of the motives and intent of power-users. People who misuse power may appear genuine, but eventually the basis of their power plays its hand just as it did long ago. God's wisdom and knowledge can cut through naiveté and ignorance to keep people who love him in peace.