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THE BOTTOM LINE

by Morris Inch
04/05/17
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THE BOTTOM LINE

It would appear that most agree that we are going in the wrong direction. It remains to determine what the right direction might be, and how we are to manage. In brief, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Prov. 14:34). One is initially impressed by the comprehensive nature of this appraisal. There are no exceptions.

Now righteousness is said to consist of conformity to God’s will. Only he is qualified to make the determination. Why? First, since only he understands all that is involved. Including much that is not obvious to us. Including the long range results of our behavior. Not only on ourselves but countless others.

Second, because only he is without fault. So that his perception is not distorted by an evil inclination. Consequently, not only because he is good but does good, without exception. In this capacity, he serves as a pristine mentor.

Conversely, sin may be by way of commission or omission. Whereas the latter is usually more subtle, and often more grievous. Engage in resisting some dubious behavior, we fail to recognize the obligation to serve the needs of others.

In greater detail, Dr. Ben Carson suggests that there are three factors which seem to have played a large role in the decline of pinnacle nations: fiscal irresponsibility, lack of focus on important issues, and acceptance of corruption at the highest political levels. One or more, as if a predictable scenario.

Fiscal irresponsibility. Our national debt has reached an incredible level, threatening our existence as a nation. Meanwhile, we continue to increase it as if there were no serious results to be anticipated. This has already adversely effected our efforts to deal constructively with international affairs. Even if we can manage for the present, it places a worrisome burden on future generations. All of which brings to mind one of my father’s frequent sayings, "You can’t spend what you do not have."

Focus on important issues. It remains to determine what these are, as distinguished from more incidental alternatives. Drawing upon our national heritage, we might identify life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As concerns life, the abortion issue serves as a painful case in point. In Jewish tradition, it is said that three are involved in conception: God and one’s parents. This is meant to confirm the sacred character of life. Apart from life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness would be impossible.

Liberty allows for individual expression. Even though this may not conform to what is deemed as politically correct. Providing, that is, it does not inhibit the freedom of others. So that it is doubtful that the government should finance a controversial practice, thus forcing some to support what is unacceptable to them. Likewise, we should allow for contrasting views in public education, since the failure to do so amounts to an establishment. This is in keeping with the conclusion that whatever serves as a religion, as of ultimate concern, is in fact a religion.

While the pursuit of happiness is not a guarantee. Instead, it offers the prospect of success if one is willing to accept responsibility. Nor does it imply that it will result in some utopian fantasy. As sometimes expressed, we live between paradise lost and paradise regained.

Acceptance of corruption at the highest political levels. First, because this amount to injustice, by setting a dual standard. Moreover, it provides a precedent for others to emulate. In a manner of speaking, it creates a trickle-down effect.

Now while the critical issues could be greatly increased, they point to a composite issue concerning righteousness and the avoidance of sin. This is by way of affirming that we live in God’s world, as stewards of his creation, and by his grace. Consequently, we may err in two directions: either we fail to exercise our potential as created in God’s image, or we attempt to supplant God in life’s equation. So that when focusing on the one, we fall prey to its opposite. In conclusion, "Blessed is the man (whose) delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he mediates day and night" (Psa. 1:1-2).