Plain Talk Vol.19, No.12, Pg.1 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

Vol. 19, No. 12	February, 1983
*VOTES, PROFIT, OR GOD?*

Government wins people by compromise, because the principle of democracy is that the people rule themselves. In the most simplistic sense, it is the job of our politicians to make the laws on which most people agree. We often criticize, "They are just after votes" — but what else? If they do not please the majority, they are voted out of office. When the majority of the people want what is needed, and truly good for them, then they will insist they get it. Our big problem is either selfish or ignorant people, or a combination of the two; plus a political "lag" between recognized need, and implementation.

Now business wins people by making them think they are getting their money's worth. Business operates for a profit, so can never give an even exchange; but must win people by appeal to convenience, pride, aesthetics and the like — satisfying fleshly desires for a price. The complexity of society, and man's needs, make business profit a necessity; but exorbitant profits are reaped when the customer is made to feel he is somehow beating the system. Our greed, and desire to live beyond our means, prompt legitimate business to enter the con game.

If we can be persuaded we are beating them, it is easy for them to beat us.

But Christianity (genuine Christianity) operates differently. Authority is absolute, both as Creator (Imperial authority) and Source of moral truth (Veracious authority). We cannot make God richer, nor increase His Glory (Acts 17:24-31). He does not need us, but we need Him; and are won to Him through His confirmed truth. TRUTH makes us free (Jn. 8:32) even as our very thoughts are made captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

Compromise in Christianity only weakens the divine structure, making our position less "Christian." Modern efforts to win converts" with flesh-pleasing buildings, banquets, fun and frolic are cheap and shoddy imitations of the legitimate appeal. We want a gold mansion, silver lined, and are depraved enough to sing of it. Business and politics have become so much a part of the "Christianity" displayed to the world, it is little wonder many cannot see the real thing.

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