By David ReayTuesday 26 Apr 2016LifeWords DevotionalsFaithReading Time: 2 minutes
Read Psalm 9:19
19 Arise, O Lord!
Do not let mere mortals defy you!
Judge the nations! (NLT)
Winston Churchill was reported to have commented that parliamentary democracy was the worst form of government ever devised—apart from all the other forms of government devised. It is true that no form of government is perfect because all government involves imperfect human beings. The great defenders of democracy speak eloquently of the wisdom of the people in both exercising their vote and exercising authority.
They are expressing a dangerous half-truth. It is proper that we have a say in our government and that we do not put all power in the hands of one or even a few. In this way, democracy tells us something about human nature. Our capacity for reason and justice makes it possible for us to exercise our democratic rights in positive ways. Our capacity for folly and injustice makes it necessary for us to have checks and balances in our system of government.
But the Bible warns us that God is ultimate ruler. Both dictators and democrats defy him. No system is perfect. The people are not always right. We sometimes vote in those who will line our own pockets and protect our own interests. Those in power sometimes abuse that power so as to perpetuate their status.
All this need not make us cynical. But democracy is no idol either. It may be the best of a bad bunch, but it is still a flawed system. Simply because fallible people elect other fallible people to govern. The voice of the people might need to be heard, but it is the word of God that will have the final say.
Blessings
David Reay