Capitol Commission

CAPITOL COMMISSION MISSOURI

"Ethics” was a hot discussion topic at the beginning of the 2010 Legislative session. Some lawmakers went to prison and a former speaker was under Federal investigation. A bi-partisan committee was formed and bills were being put together to address ethics in government. The issues varied from campaign contribution limits and time restraints on legislators who become lobbyists to gifts received from lobbyists. For all its hype in the press at the beginning, very little was accomplished. Some blame lawmakers, party leaders, special interest groups, political gamesmanship, election year rhetoric.

But what is “ethics”? How is it defined? In the capitol, “ethics” is basically the rules by which the political process is to be played. These rules can be changed. They can be vague. They can be manipulated. And since they are rules, they can be bent, ignored, broken and skirted. It is clear from looking at the world and by examining Scripture that rules, in and of themselves, will not make unethical people act fairly.

Therefore, as a couple of our lawmakers have said to me: “We don’t need more ethics, we need more ethical people.”

And how is this done? By the work of God in the hearts of people through the message of the gospel.

We must remember first and foremost that all of us have inherited a depraved and wicked heart. Jesus told His followers, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man" (Mark 7:20-23; cf. Jer. 17:9; Gen. 6:5). Therefore, what is needed is a heart-change and that is only done through the power of the gospel.

Who has been entrusted with the message of the gospel? Not the government, not lobbyists, not special interest groups—but the church. The church has the message that can transform the hearts of men and women.

The promised work of God in the turning of Israel reflects what transpires when He turns people back to Him. He says through His prophet: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances" (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Do we want ethical lawmakers? Do we want government leaders that are trustworthy to do the right thing? Do we want leaders who are lead by God through the Scripture? Well, we have the answer. It is found in the power of the gospel; a message entrusted to us to proclaim to the world.

Therefore, let us be found faithful in proclaiming the message of God’s grace in the halls of government. Let us be in constant prayer asking God to change the hearts of our leaders so they may be saved and able to obey Him. Let us be faithful in a ministry of love, compassion and discipleship as we interact with our government officials.

Proclaiming the greatness and glory of God in the Missouri State Capitol,

Paul Meinsen
State Director