Have you noticed how America is moving to the right lately? The political right, that is. The trend is evident here and in many other countries worldwide.
Exaltation of individual interest
The political right, as Americans understand it, represents a conservative ideology which, among other things, elevates the value of seeking individual interests as a means of achieving the best overall conditions. It contrasts with the political left, which promotes pursuit of the common good through government over individual interests.
There is nothing surprising about this rightward movement. As America and the world rapidly expand in population and compete for ever-dwindling resources, there has to be a trend, in accordance with Bible prophecy, toward self-interest, even survival. Man’s nobler pursuits, which include caring for the sick, the poor and the aged, are easily suppressed when self-interest and survival are threatened.
These are doctrines of men
As children of God with our unique perspective and knowledge of future events, political shifts are intriguing to us. This can be perfectly harmless provided we can detach ourselves and remain disinterested observers. The trouble is, especially with the current movement, that we may have difficulty doing so. Elements of the movement to the right may strike a sympathetic chord within us to the point where they seem to be calling for actions that accord with the will of God.
It will help us keep a correct perspective if we remember that, as with all human philosophies, there is an essential deceit or lie about politics, which are nothing more than “doctrines of men.” Ultimately, man’s inclination is to “worship and serve the creature” (Rom. 1:25), which is himself. When the philosophy seems godly, the deceit is all the more dangerous to us.
Whose law? Whose order?
For example, one of the strident political calls from the right is for “law and order.” This may sound pretty good to most of us. Who would disagree that there are too many laws being broken? Who can disagree that, in an increasingly violent world, society has an obligation to take more aggressive steps to maintain order?
But consider this point! Whose law are we talking about and which order? Governing a nation, the law of Moses demanded retribution (repayment) for theft and swift capital punishment for higher crimes. In the present era, the law of Christ requires forgiveness (“until seventy times seven”). We know that the law of Moses and the law of Christ are reconcilable on eternal principles of love and obedience. But there is no reconciling the laws of man with God’s.
Man has utterly distorted the law and God’s teachings to the point of absurdity. Man will lock up a thief for life (“three strikes and you’re out”) and release a murderer. Adultery is of no consequence, but school prayer can be a punishable offense. While we must obey the laws of the land and be “subject unto the higher powers…that are ordained of God” (Rom. 13:1), we should not expect that man’s judicial system reflects God’s way.
Wrong emphasis of Bill of Rights
At the heart of the American political system, particularly on the right, exists one of America’s most cherished institutions, the so-called Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is another of man’s creations, seemingly noble but ultimately false.
Early Americans, fleeing the tyranny of the European ruling class, were intent on framing a constitution that would provide “liberty and justice for all.” The founding fathers picked a title which, they felt, suited their new-found identity. Although in many ways they were a lot closer to God than today’s rulers, in this case they made a bad choice. Had they chosen the title, “Bill of Privileges” or “Bill of Blessings,” think how much political turmoil could have been avoided. One of the problems with the word “rights” is that there is no compassion in it. It conveys a militant idea and is often a call to arms.
When “rights” collide
The basic deception of the Bill of Rights is perceived when two rights collide. For example, the “religious right” passionately hold the doctrine that, from point of quickening, each human has a right to life. We might even agree with their idea. But what happens when the right-to-life sympathizers, who vehemently denounce abortion, clash with those who believe in the right to have freedom of choice? The result is civil disturbance, violence and sometimes murder.
This is very confusing for the average “Christian.” For while he does not believe in freedom of choice where abortion is concerned, he passionately defends it elsewhere. In fact, modern Christianity, more than just being confused, is part of the evil because it also has at its base the “doctrines of men.” The merging of Church and State is a sign that we are living in the last days. It was foretold by Paul, “that the man of sin [shall] be revealed…who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God” (II Thess. 2:4).
Another manifestation of the political right is radical rightism which is nothing less than racial intolerance and militancy against government. (An example of this can be seen in the militia groups which have so often captured the headlines lately.) At face value, the radical right and the religious right would seem to have little in common with each other. In fact, however, they have much in common. Radicals despise government because it limits their freedom. False religions also despise government unless they are part of the ruling process; in which case, they embrace it.
Movement to the wrong
It must be concluded that the present political movement to the right, so heralded by the “religious right” is in fact a movement to the wrong. Not that it would make any difference if the nation moved to the left. Government control has been tried elsewhere and exposed for the corrupt, evil system that it is.
“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help” (Psa. 146:3). Mankind instinctively looks for a safety zone among human institutions. But such places and institutions are fleeting at best. They are a “broken reed, whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it” (Isa. 36:6).
God counsels us to “refuse the evil, and choose the good” (Isa. 7:15). Instead of being “carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14), we must move to God’s right and seek His righteousness.
We are in the safety zone, brothers and sisters, and so have nothing to fear. We are the apple of God’s eye and under His care. We have an angel that encampeth about us. We have God’s promise, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5).
As we watch political and world events unfold around us, as well as the violence, the immorality and the sheer ignorance, let us remember they are but signs of God’s faithfulness. His timetable is unchanged — our redemption draweth nigh.
“For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Rom. 8:20,21).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One