Above the law

He is the fifth governor out of eight to face charges of corruption in the state of Illinois. The "culture of corruption" in government is not new. You may have read about the mysterious $90,000 found in congressman William Jefferson's freezer, the ongoing investigation of New York congressman Charlie Rangel, or Arizona representative Rick Renzi who was recently indicted for fraud, extortion, and money laundering. The list goes on.

There are other examples of politicians from the past who thought they could make up the rules and escape any punishment. Many of us still remember the Watergate scandal and the impeachment of former President Richard Nixon. His classic statement summarizes the culture of corruption, "When the President does it that means it's not illegal." However, no one is above the law. This seems to be a difficult lesson for many—and not just politicians—to learn.

Do we, as parents and educators, teach our children that there are consequences for their actions? Breaking any law, whether it is a law of God or a law of man, will have repercussions. Our society has taught disrespect for heads of government and the laws of the land and, certainly, it is disappointing to see that those who should exemplify the best behavior sometimes set the worst example. Those entrusted to uphold the law become society's outlaws.

Almost a year ago, on February 7, 2008, an article by Stephanie Cohen appeared in the New York Post entitled the Gambino Family Takedown, stating: "Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn unleashed an 80-count indictment against more than 50 mobsters in the family, charging them with seven murders and widespread extortion conspiracies within New York City's construction industry." This was one of the largest arrests involving mafia family members in the last ten years. "Today we serve notice that anyone who aspired to a position in organized crime will meet the same fate. We will not rest until we rid our communities and businesses of the scourge of organized crime," said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Benton Campbell. However, this will be a difficult task to accomplish in a society that does not respect the laws of God.

Obedience to God's laws will bring the blessings and freedom we lack today. Please request our free booklets, The Ten Commandments and The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like? And, if you have not already done so, please enroll in our free Bible Study Course.

There are consequences for breaking the laws of God and there is coming a time when mankind will learn this lesson. God's laws have not been done away with, as some Bible "scholars" have taught. "All His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness" (Psalm 111:7-8 KJV).

The Decalogue, as the Ten Commandments are sometimes referred to, will be the basis of God's government in His soon-coming Kingdom. By obeying God's laws now, you can experience true joy and happiness and escape the pain and sorrow that comes with living "above the law."