Home > Spiritual Problems Cannot be Solved by Political Means

Why does America and the world have such overwhelming problems – crises, unresolved wars, economics out of control, unprecedented natural disasters, disease, terrorism and violence, illegal immigration, on and on. Why?

America was founded on certain principles, which if adhered to would result in fewer of these problems. America and its constitution were largely based on godly principles. The writers and founders were mostly God fearing people, who risked much personal loss and braved much sacrifice to bring forth a democratic republic.

As good as our Constitution is, it is not the perfect document, but the best ever conceived by imperfect man. It is based on law, to protect us from aggression from within and without, and to recognize that we have right to certain unalienable freedoms.

The only perfect set of laws ever created were written by our creator, God, and these laws are always in effect. They cannot be revoked, repealed, modified, amended, bent or broken by man without serious consequences. Mankind in general hates these laws.

This set of laws, summarized in the Ten Commandments, was given to the ancient nation of Israel in written form. God chose Israel because of certain promises made to Abraham, the father of many nations. God promised Abraham if he would be faithful he would be progenitor of countless millions. Abraham proved his faithfulness. Does God keep his promises, or does He lie?

Abraham had two sons: One, Ishmael, from a servant woman, who is father of many people, mainly Arabs, who have mostly turned to Islam for their religion, but they recognize their identity.

Abraham’s other son, Isaac, from his wife Sarah, was the son of the promise. Isaac, having received God’s promise made to his father, had a son Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, who in turn received the promise made to Abraham. Israel had 12 sons. One was named Judah, from whom comes today’s Jews. They recognize who they are and from where they came.

Another son of Israel was Joseph, whose sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, received the promises made to Abraham. These promised included prosperity, freedom from disease, productive lands, favorable weather, protection from enemies, many healthy children, and long and productive lives, but only so long as they followed all of God’s laws and statutes. If not, then they would suffer all the same problems of the other nations.

Where are the sons of Israel today? The only ones who recognize their identity are Judah and some of his followers, and most of them deny the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who came through Judah.

Where are all the other offspring of Israel, Joseph and his sons, whom God promised would be numerous as the sand of the sea and stars of heaven? Either God reneged on his promise or there are millions on Earth who bear the name Israel.

Most of Israel had rejected God’s ways, lost their identity, gone into captivity and accepted the ways of the pagan nations. Evidence, both historical and biblical, leads to understand that the numerous descendents of Israel and Joseph are the English-speaking nations of today and Western Europe, as well as some scattered around the world.

What does all that have to do with politics and spirituality? Remember God’s promise to Abraham? God provided a productive nation for the descendents of Israel and He would provide peace and prosperity for that nation so long as those nations recognize Him and His authority. This was not perfect, though, because faith and obedience were not perfect, especially in remembering God’s Sabbath and holy days, which outline His plan for mankind. Only through much struggle and hardship did this nation develop and prosper. Many say we are a “good” people. How good?

We can see God’s protection beginning to wane approximately a half-century ago, when this nation began to worship gods other than the creator God. Atheism (disbelief) was allowed to take root. Abortion (murder) became the law of the land. The Ten Commandments and Bible reading in public places were forbidden. God and His way of life were being locked out, replaced with the false religions of homosexuality, civil rights, acceptance of gay "marriage," favorable treatment of special interest groups, earth worship and politics.

We think we can ignore all God’s commandments and still call on Him in times of crises. We murder millions of His most precious then call on Him in times of trouble. It is a fact that for every aborted child, there is at least one illegal immigrant. God has ways, unknown to man, of dealing with things. We cannot say we love God and then display hatred for His laws of life.

Spiritual problems lead to physical problems: economic, social, emotional, family. None of this can be fixed by political means. We lament the casualties of war, rightfully, but in perspective, how many in the same period have been killed by street gangs, slaughter on highways, and – worst of all – abortion. Consider this: Every person who aborted a child will face that child in the resurrection. Which of your mother’s children should she have aborted?

Why so much attention on this year’s elections? We see candidates who wouldn’t want someone "punished with a child," not knowing when life begins; we see another who recognizes that life begins at conception and counts every child a blessing from God. We see one side focused on satisfying their own arrogance and lust for power; the other, drawing on service to country, wanting to make life better for all Americans. Can either really fix anything without reliance on God to make sound judgments? Let’s hope and pray they can.

Our currency still is imprinted with "in God we trust." Do we trust in God or in the money? Whenever a nation denies and rejects the creator, God, it must rely on its own devices for prosperity and protection. As witnessed by most other nations, most of which have been in existence much longer than the U.S., this doesn’t seem to work very well.

Why are we in such terrible predicaments? It all started in the Garden of Eden, when Satan, the great deceiver, convinced man that he depends on his own understanding in deciding good and evil. This hasn’t worked out very well either, has it?

The only solution to our physical problems is to fix our spiritual problems. Will this ever happen? I have my doubts. Our only hope is in the promised return of Jesus Christ, who will establish his kingdom on earth. This is our daily prayer. Let us get to know, love, and serve Him.

In the meantime, if we vote in the elections, let us support life, liberty and freedom to enjoy the good life a little while longer. Let us return to God’s way of life.

by: Bill Luecke

This article appeared in
The Hays Daily News on October 31, 2008.