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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.
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Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

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 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

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 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 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 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 74

Thank you so much for opening my eyes. I’ve been through a lot of ministries that just didn’t show the love of God that I felt he was. You have helped me to begin the process of true healing. I thought I was “too far gone,” now I know there’s hope in Jesus, because he loves us beyond what we can comprehend. Thank you again for all you do. I truly appreciate it and pray more people find you (physical at your studio and through this website).

Dalio M.