Commentary on Congress and the U.S. Government Shutdown

This blog is normally focused on collaboration, open solutions, and innovation. But every once in a while I feel compelled to go off topic. I hope you'll excuse this diatribe.

As the U.S. Government shutdown continues and our country faces the prospect of defaulting on our national debt, there's lots of public bickering going on, finger pointing, and blame being thrown around. It's really embarrassing. One thing that really stands out to me is the absence of any mention of God or the need to behave in  righteous manner.

For example, I am reminded of what it says in the Bible in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 –

"There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."

Also, starting in Romans 12:9, it says, "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

When I look through the Bible I see many verses that describe what is considered evil behavior. For example, see the following list of evil traits:

slander theft false testimony evil thoughts      greed    malice deceit   lewdness envy arrogance            folly                       wickedness gossips hatred

strife     malice boastful               vile         senseless faithless               heartless ruthless insolent                rebels                   ungodly selfish ambition dissensions         envious

perjurers lovers of themselves lovers of money proud                    abusive ungrateful liars                        without love unforgiving rash       conceited            brutal discord jealousy

How many of these traits do you see personified in so many of our members of Congress who have been elected to serve us? Quite a few. I see these traits on display every day on TV news shows. What has happened to our leaders and their public failure to display good and righteous behavior?

For example, in Galatians 5:22-23, it says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Think of Titus 3:1-2, that says "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

There certainly is very little Christian love on display. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  Do you remember it? It says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

When I look through the Bible I see many verses that describe what is considered good and righteous behavior. For example, see the following list of good traits:

righteousness godliness self-control love       gentleness          kindness patience

faithfulness        gentleness          compassion        humility considerate trusting goodness

hopeful persevering        peace-maker encouraging       helpful  prayerful wise

Are these traits on display as our Congressional leaders and members continue to bicker, point fingers, play the blame game, slander their peers, and in so many ways display a complete lack of respect for God in the governing process. I'm reminded of the definition of wisdom in the book of Proverbs, " The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom".

Let's put God back into the equation. Let's start to see Congress think, act and behave in a more righteous and wise manner as they help govern this country. The people are watching. The next generation is watching.

Learn to collaborate, cooperate, compromise, be more open, and live up to our nation's motto, "In God We Trust".

What do you think? Do you have any constructive advice or comments to add?