Accountability

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Musing about the Watergate hearings at the time they were happening, I became convinced that
accountability is a "Christian principle."  That was when I was a relatively-new believer.  Having
now spent almost a half-century in this walk, the way I'd put it is that accountability is inherent
in God's covenant with His people, sealed in Christ's blood.

But America's current rulers continue to show that they don't much believe in accountability.  They
certainly don't believe that the authority they hold is God's Authority, given to them by God, for
them to "minister" the same way God does: doing good to their people, and punishing evil-doers
(Romans 13:1-4).

What America's current rulers say they believe instead is that they are accountable to "the people"
of America.  Democracy, that "the people rule," implicitly denies God's rule, of course: but even in
that contrary human system of government, the traditional belief was that rulers must do good to
their people, and punish evil-doers.

And that is the covenant America's current rulers have taken an oath to perform.  Professing their
adherence to that human system, our current "conservative" rulers have extolled the traditionalist
principle that, in "government of the people," those who govern the people are accountable to the
people, to do the peoples' will.

But in the continuing impeachment trial, "conservatives" continue to show their hypocrisy toward
their professed belief.  Yesterday, by refusing to hear known evidence of their president's wrong-
doing, in his trial for wrong-doing; when over 70% of "the people" say that evidence must be heard.

It's clear our "conservative" rulers consider themselves unaccountable to God, claiming their authority
is not established by Him.  Clearly they don't hold themselves accountable to truthfully stating their
political principles.  And it's crystal clear they don't believe they are accountable to "the people."

Most clearly of all, they believe they are accountable to their president: a man whose belief is that he
is completely unaccountable.  Even more than his lackeys, the current president shows by his every
deed that he despises God's Authority, and recognizes none other over him.  Our "conservative" rulers
obsequiously demonstrate their absolute agreement with him.

The current president famously said during his 2016 campaign that "I could stand in the middle of
5th Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose voters."  His words evince two spiritual propo-
sitions, both false: that he is accountable to no authority, and he can consequently get away with
anything he chooses to do.  The current ruling faction continues to signal their full agreement with
him.

He and his current ruling faction will be greatly surprised, and very sorry, when they finally learn that
God says otherwise.  But I think it's notable too the contempt for "voters" ("the people") that the current
president showed in his comment: that Americans are either too stupid to know the difference between
right and wrong, or too morally neglectful to care.

I know some of the current president's voters.  And in this single comment, and this one comment alone,
the current president has told the truth.

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Righteousness exalts a nation

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.  (NASB)

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.  (NIV)

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.  (KJV)

Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation,
 But sin is a disgrace to any people.  (Amplified Bible)

Doing what is right lifts people up. But sin brings judgment to any nation.  (NIRV)

A nation is exalted by the righteousness of its people, but sin heaps disgrace upon the land.  (TPT)

Doing what is right makes a nation great, but sin will bring disgrace to any people.  (NCV)

Uprightness raiseth up the nation; sin maketh people into wretches.  (Wycliffe)

Living according to God’s instructions makes a nation great,

but sin colors those who commit it with disgrace.  (The Voice)

Doing right brings honor to a nation, but sin brings disgrace.  (CEV)

Justice exalts a nation, but sin is a people’s disgrace.  (NABRE)

                                                                                                     --  Proverbs 14:34

I often compare different translations of the Bible, even translations I don't use,
to get the full nuances of what God says.

But whatever translation a person uses, it's clear what God says makes a nation great.

Poor America !! . . . choosing to believe politicians' lies rather than God.