{"id":1823,"date":"2019-12-19T11:02:24","date_gmt":"2019-12-19T16:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awarningministry.com\/?p=1823"},"modified":"2019-12-19T11:03:48","modified_gmt":"2019-12-19T16:03:48","slug":"for-better-or-for-worse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awarningministry.com\/index.php\/2019\/12\/19\/for-better-or-for-worse\/","title":{"rendered":"For Better or For Worse!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For Better or For Worse! by Bill Brinkworth
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\"Battle<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.\u201d Ephesians 6:12<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the first man and woman were in the Garden where God placed them, there has always been a battle between good and evil. Sometimes the battle is personal; sometimes it is on a much bigger scale, as when it involves large groups of people or even nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

None of the combatants in any of the battles have been totally righteous and without sin. Rarely has a country ever had a leader that was 100% sold out to God and obedient to His commandments. All the leaders were just like us \u2014 sinners. In most of the confrontations, there was usually one side more unrighteous than the other was. The upcoming election in America is no exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proverbs 28 points out many of the opposing philosophies in personal struggles and the clashing of governing forces. Many of the battles are actually spiritual battles involving:
\nGuilt vs. Confidence.<\/strong> A person that is living by his own rules, principles, and opinions will not have total peace. They often make wrong decisions, and see situations, obstacles, and people differently. Many times they have their own personal agenda, and it may not be for the benefit of most people. There are often guilt and lack of confidence in what they are doing. However, one that has some grounding in biblical morality and knows what is right in God\u2019s eyes will stand up often against overwhelming odds that he discerns as unrighteousness.
\n\u201cThe wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.\u201d Prov. 28:1<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immorality vs. Morality.<\/strong> Even though many may think biblical commandments no longer apply to \u201cmodern\u201d man, they do! There will usually be many that feel comfortable doing wrong, and if they have their will and way will bring a country to destruction. Sin NEVER prospers anyone! However, the bold stand of the few that understand biblical principles, live by them, and boldly proclaim them can preserve a nation from being destroyed. There will often be a struggle between the two groups.
\n\u201cFor the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.\u201d Prov. 28:2
\n<\/em>\u201cThey that forsake the law <\/em>[the laws of God] praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.\u201d Prov. 28:4<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spiritually blinded vs. Spiritually discerning.<\/strong> Those following their own rules and ways think they know what they are doing, but they are just \u201cshooting in the dark\u201d. Their ways usually result in failure and hurt many. Those that wholly follow and obey God\u2019s commandment, found in His Word, will make more righteous decisions because God is never wrong!
\n\u201cEvil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.\u201d Prov. 28:5
\n<\/em>\u201cHe that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.\u201d Prov. 28:9
\n<\/em>\u201cWhoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.\u201d Prov. 28:10
\n<\/em>\u201cThe prince that wanteth understanding <\/em>[does not know what he is doing] is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.\u201d Prov. 28:6
\n<\/em>\u201cHe that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.\u201d Prov. 28:26<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shame vs. Rejoicing.<\/strong> When the unrighteous, wicked rule and reign there is shame, uncertainty, and failure. However, when righteous principles are honored, there is peace among the people and the people are happier.
\n\u201cWhen righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.\u201d Prov. 28:12
\n<\/em>\u201cWhoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.\u201d Prov. 28:7
\n<\/em>\u201cHe that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy\u201d Prov. 28:13
\n<\/em>\u201cWhoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.\u201d Prov. 28:18<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy Money vs. Hard Work.<\/strong> Often to gather votes or popularity, many are offered free handouts as an incentive.   However, according to the Bible, hard work gives more reward than a temporary bribe.
\n\u201cHe that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.\u201d Prov. 28:19
\n<\/em>\u201cA faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.\u201d Prov. 28:20<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There never will be a perfect governing force. Even the godliest biblical leaders sinned and made mistakes. Today\u2019s government will never be any different. Government will never be perfect until Jesus rules man during the Millennial Reign. Meantime, in governments where people have the opportunity to pick their leaders, it will always be a choice between evil, and not so evil. If you have an opportunity to vote for a leader, make sure that it is for the one who adheres most closely to godly principles. God\u2019s ways always work! Man\u2019s do not! Do not shirk your responsibility to vote!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo enactment of man can be considered law unless it conforms to the law of God.\u201d
<\/em><\/strong>\u2014 Sir William Blackstone<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For Better or For Worse!<\/a><\/blockquote>