Written by Janna Shick
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This famous quote, taken from the Declaration of Independence, has been a cornerstone upon which our nation was founded. In the young days of our country, this statement offered a beacon of hope and a bright call to freedom.
It represented an opportunity to live what is now phrased ‘the American dream.’ America was a place where colonists could worship as they chose, set up trade according to their liking and have a profitable life. Only the best of suggestions and ideas were combined and set into motion. However, the original trajectory of success began to waver over time. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
Countless examples, past and present, can be found where men and women have defected from the original design of our government. Cases of deception, bribery, extortion and embezzlement solely for personal and monetary gain litter our nation’s history. We discover that some corporation’s agendas outweigh the greater good of what was intended “of the people, by the people and for the people,” besmirching our Founding Fathers’ primary intention.
One example of public corruption on several political levels was the investigation named Tennessee Waltz. In April 2008, a contractor working in Shelby County Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office was sentenced for his role in a corrupt invoice scam, accepting money for work never performed. He was the 12th and final subject brought to justice in the case. This investigation not only led to the convictions or guilty pleas of several state senators, a state representative, two county commissioners, and two school board members, but also led to new state ethics laws and the creation of an independent ethics commission in Tennessee.
Another more well-known example of corruption occurred during Richard Nixon’s presidency. It began early in the morning on June 17, 1972 when several burglars were arrested in the office of the Democratic National committee. However, this was no ordinary break-in. The prowlers were connected to President Nixon’s reelection campaign. They had been caught wiretapping phones and stealing documents. Nixon took aggressive steps to cover the crimes until two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, revealed his role in the conspiracy. Nixon resigned as a result on August 9, 1974. The Watergate Scandal forever changed American politics, leading many American voters to question their leaders and think more critically about the presidency.
We’ve reviewed some ways corruption has interfered with our literal government, but have you ever stopped to consider the government of God’s church? There is no physical building or museum to learn about its processes and foundation. However, its entire history is spelled out very clearly in the Word of God. The prophet Isaiah spoke about this beautiful plan, foretelling of all that would come about when Jesus, God’s Son, was born. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) There’s no better entity to place your confidence in and to build your life upon than the I AM who spoke with Moses, the Man who walked on water, the One who conquered death on the cross at Calvary… Jesus!
The “game” of politics can abruptly wreak havoc upon our literal government but rest assured, the government of God’s church is upon a sure foundation. Our country may have swerved off course in nearly 250 years, but God’s church has remained the same for over 2,000 years! No wicked people or evil scheme can ever destroy the hope we have in Christ Jesus. “…the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
Christianity has been met with opposition through the years. “…the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him…” (Matthew 22:2) Jesus preached a gospel of hope but many sought to destroy him. The Pharisees despised the change He represented to the Old Law of Moses and wanted his influence removed permanently. As the scriptures tell us, Jesus Christ was cruelly crucified, but the Truth was not snuffed out! The government of the Church was not shut down.
A well-known Gospel song by the title of “There’s Something About That Name” puts it like this – Emperors have tried to destroy it, philosophies have tried to stamp it out. Tyrants have tried to wash it from the face of the earth with the very blood of those who claimed it, yet it still stands. And there shall be that final day when every voice of Adam’s race shall raise in one mighty chorus to proclaim the name of Jesus…