Proverbs 14.34
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
In the civil society, the rule of law provides the governing framework for and restraints on the political system, thereby both empowering the civil society and serving as a check against the abuse of power by the government.
The founders understood that the greatest threat to liberty is an all-powerful central government, where the few dictate to the many. They also knew that “the rule of the mob” would lead to anarchy and, in the end, despotism. Once again, they recognized the need for virtuous citizens + ordered liberty. To put it another way, a civil society requires people of character and a limited government based on timeless principles.
For much of American history, the balance between governmental authority and individual liberty was understood and accepted. Federal power was confined to that which was specifically enumerated in the Constitution. That power was limited further by being distributed among three federal branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial. Beyond that, the power remained with the states and ultimately the people.
Sadly, the federal government has become a massive, inefficient, out-of-control bureaucracy: It is the nation’s largest creditor, debtor, lender, employer, consumer, contractor, grantor, property owner, tenant, insurer, health-care provider, and pension guarantor.
As the federal government continues to grow in size and operate beyond the boundaries laid out in the Constitution, it continues to erode the liberty of the individual and move ever closer to socialism and further away from the liberty of a constitutional republic.
Wisdom calls us to return to the structures of freedom established by the founders. Wisdom calls us to support and vote for politicians and civic leaders who will radically reduce the size and limit the power of government, and who will operate within a budget surplus to reduce the national debt.
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29.2)
God is calling us. Trust Him and do the work.
Coram Deo
