“Politics!” The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity. “Politician!” One versed in the science of government and the art of governing; one skilled in politics. The Bible tells us that “if the foundations be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?” We thank God for our Constitution and those in government who have the heart, spirit and skill to follow it.
In the Christian realm, we thank God for the Bible and those who have the heart, spirit and knowledge to follow it. There is a story recorded in I Samuel chapter 8 that we would do well to learn from. From the time of their beginning until the time of the event recorded in this chapter, the Israelites had lived under a theocratic type of government. The dictionary tells us that a theocracy is a government recognizing the immediate sovereignty of God. This was God’s will for Israel. They were to continually to look to Him as their King.
In this chapter a strange thing happens. Israel demands a king! Many reasons were advanced for this action. First, Samuel’s two sons, Joel and Abiah, had proved a great disappointment to their father and to the nation.
Samuel had made his two sons judges in Israel and they had corrupted the office. The people protested against this and because of the failure of Samuel’s two sons they wanted to reject God’s form of government.
Secondly, the nations bordering on Israel now gave signs of renewed uprisings to threaten Israel. The people were fearful of the situation as it stood and they clamored for a strong king with a strong army. God’s way didn’t look strong enough for them.
Thirdly, they wanted to be like the nations around them. They coveted the power of the surrounding nations. These were their excuses for rejecting God’s plan and desiring their own plan. They changed their form of government! We see this today with the liberal philosophy of being more like the “world” and less like “God”. There are those who desire to change or omit portions of our Constitution and there are those who desire to change or omit portions of our Bible.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.”
I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I will hide its words in my heart, that I might not sin against God.