Biblically Dissecting the 'Fiscal Cliff'

      The term ‘fiscal cliff’ has dominated the news in recent months.  The meaning centers on the role of government and how to fund its operation.  The cliff represented the consequences if proposed spending and taxing policy changes were not approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

     The political ideology of the president and senate centers on increasing revenue to fund government operations via tax collection.  Taxes are certainly appropriate to fund government; however, the larger question is the role of government.

     The primary role of government is defined in Scripture as maintaining law and order based on God’s standard of justice.

     “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God…For he is God’s minister to you for good… (And) an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil…For because of this you also pay taxes…”  Romans 13:1-6

     The Bible also indicates maintaining a military is sanctioned by God which would require government funding.

     “And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben: ‘Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here’? …And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying: …‘Your servants will cross over, every man armed for war, before the LORD to battle, just as my lord says.’”  Numbers 32:6, 25-27

     In the New Testament Jesus spoke in a parable of the consequence of not funding the required military.

     “…what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.”  Luke 14:31-32

     Additionally the Bible describes wars that will be waged in the future.  Therefore, taxes are sanctioned to administer law and order plus maintain an adequate military presence.

      Presently, however, some believe that government should have a much larger role in the lives of the citizenry. 

     Proponents of larger government participation believe that government should be a provider of benefits and services in addition to those sanctioned in the Bible.  Each additional proposed benefit and service can be weighed against scriptural precepts.  The epitome of depravity is when government funds are used to protect those who break God’s laws.  While some such additional government services are obviously anti-scriptural, others are more subtle.

     One of the more subtle anti-scriptural ideologies held by the current administration is termed ‘the protection of the middle class’.  In essence the meaning is equalization of the nation’s wealth among all citizens which is accomplished by redistribution.  That is a flagrant attempt to usurp God’s authority.

     “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.”  Deuteronomy 8:18

     The attempt to provide more anti-scriptural benefits and services to citizens can lead to much more serious problems.  If there is a revenue shortfall and deficit spending is required, a government must resort to borrowing.

     The Bible is quick to point out that one of the curses for a nation that disobeys God’s word is for that nation to be a borrower while blessings for a nation that obeys God’s words is to be a lender nation.  In addition:

     “…and the borrower is servant to the lender.”  Proverbs 22:7b

     Interestingly there are those at both ends of the political spectrum who claim membership in the Christian Brotherhood.  That is confusing inasmuch as there are many contemporary ideologies contrary to Biblical teachings.  Jesus shed light on such inconsistencies. 

     “You will know them by their fruits…A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit…”  Matthew 7:16-20

     Therefore, the fiscal issues facing this nation can be evaluated to see if they are in sync with Biblical teachings. 

     Every individual has the freedom to choose whether to take the Bible seriously or dismiss it if they hold the conviction that politics and Scripture should not be intermingled.