Giving Up Power

Why Do We Need Government?

In Federalist Paper #51 James Madison said, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”

In other words, if all men were perfect and didn’t break laws, government wouldn’t be needed. If perfect angels were in charge there would also be no need for government.

Government is needed because people aren’t perfect and someone, or something, is needed to keep order.

What Are Checks and Balances?.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines checks and balances as, “A system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.”

Balancing the Branches of Government

Checks and balances provide the necessary separation of powers, allowing government to run smoothly. People are inherently sinful, so this system helps reduce the problems created by sin.

This is why our government is made up of three parts: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Without checks and balances, any one of these branches can easily obtain too much power.

Madison put it this way, “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.”

George Washington said, “Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. Experience has taught us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession, and when the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”

The Issue

Unfortunately, even with these protective measures, our government still has people within it who seek excessive power. These people need to be kept in check too.

People in our government are often doing evil, and need to be held accountable for their actions. We must have leaders who seek God and lead according to the Bible. Without God, our country won’t survive.

Herbert Hoover stated, “American life is built and alone can survive upon the fundamental philosophy announced by the savior nineteen centuries ago.”

The Solution

We have a job to do if our government will consist of people who put God and their country first.

We can do this job by supporting political candidates who are willing to lay their personal desires aside. We need to do our civic duty and vote for such people.

Writing to our elected officials is an effective way to have a say in their decisions. It doesn’t matter how old or how good of writers we are, what matters is that we make our voice heard.

If your elected officials are doing good, encourage them and be sure to ask them to continue voting on issues with wisdom. If your elected officials aren’t doing good, be gracious and show them how their decisions are affecting you. Make sure to encourage them to make wise choices.

 Luke 17:3 says, “Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” God expects us to keep ourselves in check, making sure we’re walking with Him. He also calls us to keep others in check, helping them live a life free of sin.

We need to be active citizens who work to keep our government officials in check.

Until next time…

“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you.”