But Not Through Me….

Reading Jethro’s advice to Moses, I can’t help but think this is how our government got started. I’m sure our founding fathers selected representatives who were capable, honest, God-fearing men, who hated bribes. Back then all men of power knew how to conduct their lives. The key was that they feared God, they knew they were ultimately responsible to God (or at least knew He is the Ultimate Judge). Fast forward to today. The lack of integrity, the love of bribes, and the absence of God, all play a vital role in the corruption of our government. To think this type of system was set up by Moses’ father-in-law almost 3500 years ago and is still effective when you place the right people in those positions proves that God’s ways never go out of style. It’s people’s fault that God’s ways go out of fashion. The way America makes a come back is when men and women of integrity, God-fearing people are placed into government offices. That way, evil will not prosper, destroying the fabric of our Republic. As a famous author once said, “You can resolve to live your life with integrity. Let your credo be this: Let the lie come into the world, let it even triumph. But not through me.” That’s the attitude of a true servant of the Most High God. These are the people we need to elect as our representatives. Integrity has no holiday. If an elected official is supposed to represent the people, selfishness has no place doing business with him/her.

13 The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”15 Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. 16 When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them His instructions.”17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out–and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to Him. 20 Teach them God’s decrees, and give them His instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. 25 He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 26 These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.27 Soon after this, Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land. Exodus 18:13-27