During this current presidential candidate cycle in the US, there has been talk of a greater importance of global unity and cooperation. While for some these things seem to bring to mind terrible prophetic implications, others view these as compassionate and necessary steps toward making a better and more loving world.
These national discussions as well as many other similar public speeches in the US promoting greater peace and prosperity through the move towards global governance reminded me of many statements which have been made by popular politicians and personalities in the US. One such speech was recently again brought to my attention this week in the form of a video clip from (I believe 1999) where Walter Cronkite, perhaps the most famous of all known TV anchormen, discusses the need for global governance. Speaking to the crowd at the World Federalist Association after receiving his award, he speaks about why he believes global governance is important.
You can watch this speech –HERE– on youtube, or type in a search such as “Walter Cronkite, Federalist, award, Hillary”. For people who consider themselves ‘Conservatives’, WorldNetDaily also ran an article in 1999 which can be found –HERE–
(For more information regarding the World Federalist Association, I would suggest you look up information about them yourself, as well as the term “World Federalist Movement” on wikipedia –HERE– for starters…)
My question to Believers is this: Can we look at global government as a good thing? Why…or why not? Just like a gun which is used in a robbery or a fire that burns down a house, government in and of itself is not evil…but a powerful tool. The real question is who will be entrusted with its use, and which rules govern its usage. Does the Bible discuss global government? If so, what signs are we to watch for regarding it? Furthermore, does the Bible give us illustrations of what happens to humans when power is entrusted to them? With what we know of the human condition…does the phrase, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” apply…or not?
While we as Believers do strive for peace and harmony, doesn’t the Bible tell us what events will lead up to global government, and furthermore tell us what this global government will wish to accomplish? Are we watching these things as we see global government developing around us? (Or is it developing? If it is only ‘cooperation’, how far will that work until everything MUST be similar for the proposed solution to work?) At what point is global cooperation a good thing….and at which point does it do more harm than good (or is that even possible?) Do we see any of these signs today? Do we see an environment with increasing world crises, wars, and problems that beg for a global solution? Do people look to themselves for change, thinking that we need community-wide efforts to make effective change? Or are populations hungry for world leaders which can pull us out of these problems?
With your understanding of historical precedent…With your understanding of the human condition (towards sin and corruption if not carefully held in ‘check’)…and with your understanding of the Bible, both prophecy and previous examples and teachings…. Is global government more likely to bring peace and stability? What does history and the Bible show us? Or will it bring increased chaos and panic?
As a Believer, I believe that God has given each of us a responsibility to take care of not only ourselves but others around us. Following Christ’s example, we are not to force anything onto anyone but do our best to help others in need. While I also would like to help others in fighting problems such as alcoholism, drugs, domestic abuse, taking care of the environment, taking care of people less fortunate than ourselves, and many more… While we are called by God to help others where needed, can we really go back on His example and start to force our will on the lives of others? Can we in good moral conscience ‘force’ someone to become a better person, or penalize them for not living up to what a community supposedly says are minimum public expectations? What is the point of God-given free will if we take it upon ourselves to force our own will upon other people? (And furthermore: If that is so, what does that say about us?)
While we may all work towards a better future with peace and prosperity for ourselves, our families, and our communities….I hope that each one of us seriously not only looks at our motivations…but also the consequences of deeds which…even with the best of intentions…may lead us down the wrong path. As Believers, we know that each person can indeed make a difference in someone else’s life, whether big or small. But while we are trying to do good things here on earth, does Scripture tell us that we can really achieve perfection here on earth? As Believers we should strive for peace and prosperity…But what costs are we willing to pay? Are we willing to give up our freedom and liberty for peace? (And does this remind some of the ‘war on terror’, perhaps?) Can we really give up our national sovereignty and right to govern ourselves in an effort to make sense of the world? And to who would we be giving control?
I urge each one of you to know what you believe, and why you believe it… Just because you agree with someone else that something needs to be fixed… does that mean that you will both agree on how to fix that problem? And…does the end really justify the means? Yes…or no? Do you know what principals and morals are most integral to you? Or do your morals and judgements shift based on time and place? And for some who may wonder…Should we stop trying for peace in this world? Or as Believers, should we perhaps keep reaching for it while remembering Scriptural principals including prophecy which must play out before world peace truly is brought in by the return of Jesus?
What do you think?
Recent Comments