Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Selfishness and Governance

Selfishness and Governance

Selfishness is the root of sin, resulting from believing lies about God and breaking the circle of love and trust.

Selfishness is based in fear and brings forth envy and jealousy.

Selfishness leads to exploiting others rather than serving others.

Every human being is infected with selfishness, and we are powerless to overcome it in our own strength. Only through a trust relationship with Jesus Christ can selfishness be overcome and love be restored into the heart.

Every government on the earth is run by humans who are infected with selfishness and, therefore, every government on earth is ruled by selfishness. Unless specific restraints are placed upon the reins of power, these human institutions inevitably become increasingly abusive—not just to other nations, but also to its own citizens. The “rule of law,” which we revere so much, formed first in the city-states of the Near East, thousands of years before Rome. While we view the rule of law as the basis of a functioning society, it is an adaptation to sin based on collective fear and self-preservation. This leads to “justice” as a system of rules, with behavioral monitoring and infliction of punishment against those who break the rules.

History is replete with examples of how selfishness infects governments:

  • Ancient Egypt, with its slave work forces
  • Ancient Israel, when kings became corrupt and exploited the people
  • Rome enslaving millions, and Caesars who demanded worship
  • Christian theocracy in the West and Islamic theocracy in the East
  • The abuses of the French aristocracy leading to the French Revolution and the revolutionaries who conducted the Reign of Terror

In modern times, societies formed new governments that moved away from monarchies to various forms of democratic representation and diverse economics, such as capitalism, which runs on private ownership of business and the pursuit of profits. Yet without regulation, selfishness corrupts capitalism and the rich exploit the poor. The history of capitalism is replete with human rights abuses—child labor, unsafe work places, long hours, and low wages.

Selfishness wants more for self. It is jealous, envious, and angry at real or perceived disparities. “Advocates” for the downtrodden arise who inflame jealousy, envy, anger, and outrage between classes. Politicians, unless renewed by Christ, are dominated by selfishness and arise claiming that they have a better way in which there is no rich, powerful, ownership class and that all the profits will be shared equally and all the benefits will be distributed to everyone. These persuasive voices promise that everyone can receive free health care, education, home, car, food, clothing, and a job. All property will be owned by the community, and the society will be an equal commune in which there are no haves and have-nots.

Russia, China, and Cuba have shown us what communism looks like and how the utopia of communal ownership, to ensure all citizens are equal, turned out to be a lie, one in which monetary power was exchanged for political and military power. Communistic governments have been multiple times more abusive to human rights than capitalism—despite all the problems with capitalism.

Other politicians and political theories have arisen to challenge capitalism. One such alternative system came from socialism in Nazi Germany:

We are Socialists, enemies, mortal enemies of the present capitalist economic system with its exploitation of the economically weak, with its injustice in wages, with its immoral evaluation of individuals according to wealth and money instead of responsibility and achievement, and we are determined under all circumstances to abolish this system! (Nazi party official Gregor Strasser, printed in a 1926 pamphlet, Thoughts about the Tasks of the Future).

What do we discover in the history of Nazi socialism? Again, exponentially worse human rights violations and enslavement of society that led to torture and genocide.

How could this happen? Because human beings are infected with selfishness and are vulnerable to having their fears and need to protect themselves exploited by others.

The collective ideals of communism and socialism appeal to our sense of what’s right, but because of innate individual selfishness, these systems don’t last. Those in power inevitably become corrupt and those without power suffer.

Systems like capitalism, which is based on individual drive for one’s self-interest, work, but also produce outcomes that seem to violate, to some degree, our idealistic desires. This leads to a choice between two imperfect systems of governance; one that “works” to a degree or one that seems more “right” but is unsustainable.

Winston Churchill eloquently summed this up: “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

When we forget the lessons of history, we are doomed to repeat the atrocities of the past. And today there are voices arising in America advocating for these same fear-based arguments of the past. It’s the same social equality that’s based on some form of government ownership and equal distribution of assets to all, such as free health care, food, housing, clothing, education, and job with a living wage—a utopia delivered to all by the government.

But this proposed “New Deal” is not a new deal at all, but simply the recycling, in slightly different language, the old toxic policies of failed socialism of the past. The advancement of such programs requires:

  • a populace that is angry and frustrated with the current system
  • inflamed fear and the loss of a sense of safety and security
  • heightened jealousy and envy of those who are deemed to be advantaged; class division
  • perceived threats to future security, designed to further inflame fear and a sense of urgency (global warming, economic collapse, inability to afford education or healthcare)
  • forgetting the past (through a flawed educational system that downplays the lessons from history)
  • politicians who seek personal power and advancement through inflaming selfishness and fear and then promising socialistic solutions

The Bible speaks of the end of time in which an abusive world government arises to coerce all the nations and peoples of the world to embrace policies based upon fear and selfishness—policies in which love and liberty are replaced with threat and control.

Historically, many have thought such a coercive system would be the merging of the religious right with state government to pass religious laws. However, another possibility, which would also fulfill Revelation’s description, is the liberal far and extreme left gaining control of government and passing laws they deem to be necessary to recreate the world in the fashion of their beliefs.

Whatever the case, Christians need to realize there is no system of human government that will solve the sin problem—the problem of human selfishness and fear. There is no political solution, no human ruler, no legislation, no judicial pronouncement, and no policy that will eradicate selfishness from hearts and bring godly love as the ruling power in society. In fact, all attempts to use force only destroys love and creates greater rebellion.

The only path that wins the day for God’s government is the path of truth, presented in love, while leaving others free—the path of beneficence, goodness, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and generosity, the path in which we live love in how we treat others.

And love requires freedom. Societies in which freedom reigns are the healthiest. Even though selfishness still infects human hearts, love can grow wherever freedom is allowed to reign. But love cannot grow under threat and coercion.

Today, freedom is under threat in the guise of concern for equality for all people and socialistic policies that, if enacted, will destroy liberty and undermine love.

We must be vigilant and discerning to understand the methods of God—truth, love, and liberty—and not be seduced to join with systems and policies that violate God’s principles.

No human government represents God’s kingdom, because all are infected with selfishness, run on imperial law, use force and threat to coerce rule-breakers, and are interested in self-preservation. Yet some forms of government do create healthier atmospheres, where individuals are free to pursue their dreams, aspirations, and the dictates of their own consciences, which allows love to flourish in how we treat others.

As we move forward in time, we must remember that “our citizenship is in heaven” and that every country of the world will eventually rally to the system of the beast, the system opposed to God, and we must recognize those movements and keep our hearts united to heaven and choose the principles of love, truth, and liberty.

In summary:

  1. All human governing methods are a direct result of sin and our sinful condition. None have been or will ever be patterned after God’s governance of the universe. However, some approaches to human governance are clearly worse than others, in terms of negative impact on the character of its people.
  2. Individuals essentially enter into an agreement with their society’s government and authorities. In return for higher levels of safety and enhanced survival provided by the group structure, the individual willingly gives up a certain level of freedom and self-determination. Both the drive to engage in this relationship and the effectiveness of this transaction are a direct result of sin. Individual self-centeredness, fear, and competition with others is then scaled up to a collective societal level.
  3. The Ultimate Cosmic Conspiracy (Satan’s war against God’s government) is centered on this planet and is manifest as mankind projects our most “successful” human governance design onto God. We have created God in our image – a King, Lord, Ruler, Judge, and Dispenser of Justice. We blindly think that because the rule of law “works” on our broken world, this method for governance is God’s will or reflects God’s character and intent. We forget “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, NIV84)
  4. God’s character and methods (design law) have not been changed in any way because of the appearance of sin, it’s spread to planet Earth, and the broken governance system based on the rule of law that evolved here.
Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.