A Product of the Environment indeed!

Several weeks ago, I had an interesting encounter with someone who attributed much of our current struggles to the government. Judging from comments on facebook, blogs, twitter and the mainstream media, I sense that the majority of people are frustrated with the government. Not everyone, of course, but most. Much of what I have read and observed, clearly portray a people wanting improvements in their government. Granted, the old adage, “To each its own meaning”—has to be taken into account when discussing matters that pertain to politics. Collectively there is frustration. But each individual has something that they would like see change or improve in terms of how the government should function and respond to the people. I do not wish for this to be a political medium but would like to offer a thought uttered by a former president. James A. Garfield shared these words:

“Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature....If the next centennial does not find us a great nation ... it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces” [Garfield, The Works of James Abram Garfield, Vol.2, 486, 489].

His words are prophetic and revealing. I shared with my frustrated friend that politicians are a product of their environment. You and I are as well. It is inescapable and undeniable. President Garfield’s assertions are spot on. For the populace to expect their elected officials to somehow uphold their campaign promises once elected would be like wishing for the sun to somehow cease from rising in the morning. It is impossible. Why? Our elected officials will continue to behave the way they do unless society as a whole changes drastically in favor of godliness. Someone once said, you can take the boy out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the boy. If the populace is not in favor of the principles and standards that one finds in God’s Word, such a people will be reckless, corrupt and will tolerate ignorance. What can be done then? For a society to experience high quality representatives, God has to penetrate the hearts of every man, woman and child. Now, think about the role of the church. Think about your role as a Christian. How can you make a difference?