Some abused power

Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 says, “If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. 9 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. (NIV)

(MSG) “ Don’t be too upset when you see the poor kicked around, and justice and right violated all over the place. Exploitation filters down from one petty official to another. There’s no end to it, and nothing can be done about it. But the good earth doesn’t cheat anyone—even a bad king is honestly served by a field.”

Government and its officials are imperfect. Some however abuse their power and try to take advantage of people. This is not something new. During Solomon’s time there were officials who abused their power by exploiting the poor. Even today, it is happening- “there is no end, and nothing can be done about it.” We live in a fallen world.

How about the true church? We are imperfect people because we are made of flesh and blood, the same as others. It is only by the grace of God that we became a new creation in Christ. It is only by the grace of God that indeed we are complete in Him and righteous in His sight—because of the righteousness of Christ given to us. Therefore we would do our best to change society by the Gospel of Christ. The root problem is sin. Some try to solve our society’s problem, by just giving “band aid” remedy. It does not last. I know of many people who are being transformed by the Gospel, they are not perfect, but they are getting better every day by the Gospel of Christ. Therefore, let us focus on Christ, rather than the failure and weaknesses of people.

Believers in Christ are now the salt of the earth, we are the preserving agents in a society that is deteriorating fast. Christians are the only salt on this earth. Outside of us as “divine society” we see corruption because of greed, lust, contentions, jealousies, selfish ambitions, and hunger for power etc. As salt of the earth believers must demonstrate the Characteristics of Christ, for instance: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control etc.

We thank God for some honest people in governments. And as Christians we have a responsibility to continue to pray for our government officials that they would make wise decisions for the good of the people, not to enrich their bank accounts.

Alekandr Solshenitsyn, the famous Russian author is right when he said: “The line dividing the good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either—but right through every human heart.” The prophet Jeremiah said “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? (17:9).

Our Lord Jesus said, “not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”(Matt.15:11).

Only the death and resurrection of Christ can change peoples’ lives. The Gospel is a Gospel of Grace. Jesus was given to us by His Father to give us salvation which is free. This is a great Gift to the undeserving sinner. That is why it is called “grace.” If you have not made a decision for Christ, why not make one today? Don’t delay. It may be too late. Life is short, death is sure, sin the curse, but Christ is the only cure. Wherever you are, you can open your heart to Him. God’s blessings!