Truth & Freedom

“You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man’s age-old dream–the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order – or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. Plutarch warned, “The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits." Ronald Reagan ~ 1964

What are the principles of conservatism?  Of liberalism?  It is illogical to believe larger government does not reduce individual liberty.  For example, individuals can be free to create health insurance or to buy health insurance of their choosing.  Or individuals can NOT be free to do so.  I suspect liberals argue that unrestrained freedoms lead to abuse and individualism instead of collectivism.  But this is precisely the point of Reagan's quote above.  Either we maximize freedoms consistent with order, or we inch towards totalitarianism.  A pure review of our founding documents makes it clear our nation is fundamentally to promote freedom in concert with limited government.  This does not even consider the problem of negative rights and positive rights.  If government gives to persons, it must first take from other persons.  There is no freedom in that formula.

In the shadows of a poor economy, record food stamp rolls, perpetually high unemployment, and a sharply divided nation under President Obama, the nation re-elected him.  Why?  Because he can better handle the economy?  See: evidence of the past 4 years non-recovery.  Because he can better handle foreign affairs?  See: Benghazi terrorist attack that from the beginning has been intentionally clouded in confusion and misdirection.  Because he'll provide contraception and abortion rights to women?  See: you're kidding me that the government should provide contraception? Or force religious institutions into immoral acts?

Obama was elected because our cultural institutions, meaning the press, Hollywood, and academia, are staunchly liberal.  He was elected because the persons influenced by these institutions are unable or unwilling to think clearly and think past the unimportant issues (see: casting Romney as a rich, sexist man who only wants a different set of rules for the top; also see: HOGWASH).  Let me be clear about one thing, however. I believe most Republican politicians are not conservative, by the nature of the word, and are as faulty in integrity and objectivity as anyone else in government.

So where do we go?  We endure four more years of divisive politics, non-transparency, twisted and distracted information, and more inches toward totalitarianism.  Sure, the word seems extreme, but note the word "inches."  Finally, can we please start thinking critically about what the President, or anyone else, says?  What does it mean to say, "pay their fair share?"  What is fair?  It's already an extremely progressive tax structure.  Who gets to determine what is fair?  Unrestrained government.

What are we waiting for?

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.


I can't help but think that so much of our activity, if not all, flies in the face of this principle from God.  We spend much of our time entertaining ourselves: eating out, movies & t.v., swimming or music lessons, basketball, facebook, pets, and on and on.  While these are not bad inherently, our time is consumed by so much that does not directly seek or glorify God.  God can be glorified in how we go about the above activities, setting an example for the world.  But let's not kid ourselves. We've got it easy.  I don't know anyone who suffers for Christ in a literal sense by selling all they have and giving it to the poor, or by preaching the good news in the face of persecution.

There are millions upon millions of orphans in our world. These boys and girls do not have a loving mom and dad and may have little hope for their future.  They may not be raised in the light of Truth, or even with the faintest concern about truth or comprehending reality.  God clearly commands His followers to care for orphans and widows.  Jesus said whoever welcomes a child in His name, welcomes Him (Matthew 18:5). Paul writes that we receive adoption as sons of God because Jesus' redeems us, and hence we're an heir with Christ (Romans 8:14-17).  If we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, invite in a stranger, clothe the naked, look after the sick, and visit those in prison, then we are doing such for King Jesus (Matthew 25:34-40).

Seeking God and glorifying Him in our short time on earth is our reality, whether humans accept it or not.  If we are believers in a sovereign and loving God who redeems us through the sacrifice of His son, then the effect of our lives is glorification of the author of all life. God granted me a remarkably loving wife and mother of three incredible kids, as well as a large house.  Our sacrifice will be in much time and money and emotional challenges.  Even this seems to pale in comparison to those that have been persecuted or lost their life for God's glory, but it is our reality to serve God by way of adoption. What are we waiting for?