Day 11 - Corruption in Politics
“I
urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness.” -1 Timothy 2: 1-2
OVERVIEW
The
government sphere of society is massive and far reaching in its
influence, as well as being complex in its structure on many levels.
Issues pertaining to government corruption can arise anywhere on the
spectrum from local to national, even beyond as one considers foreign
alliances and affiliates, such as the United Nations.
The
clearest pitfall is when the opportunity for power, wealth and
influence distracts leaders from their real calling to serve the people
who have put them in office and entrusted them with authority.
AREAS TO CONSIDER
- Lobbying
There is nothing inherently wrong with lobbying when it is used to provide information and expertise on key issues under consideration by legislative bodies. Problems arise though when political favors, roundabout financial incentives and voters are exchanged for laws favoring a specific agenda.
- Bribery
In spite of strict laws prohibiting political bribery, there have been many cases recently of racketeering, fraud, extortion and money laundering particularly, though not exclusively, among big city mayors (for example: former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin). (1)
- Voter fraud
A Pew Foundation study reports “approximately 24 million one of every eight voter registrations in the United States are no longer valid or are significantly inaccurate. More than 1.8 million deceased individuals are listed as voters. Approximately 2.75 million people have registrations in more than one state”. (2)
PERSONAL REPENTANCE
Father
God, I repent if I have not been aware of corruption in the political
system. I also ask that You would forgive me if I have not performed my
civic duty of voting for righteous politicians.
CORPORATE REPENTANCE
Oh
Lord, we know that you see everything that happens behind closed doors.
We stand in the gap now on behalf of the United States’ government and
repent for corruption in our political system. Forgive us for cases
where pride, selfishness and greed have been the motivators for evil
behavior. We seek Your face today, believing that You will heal our
political system and expose any corrupt practices taking place.
PRAY
- Pray for every hidden thing every deal behind closed doors,
every fraudulent action, every lie spoken to the American public to be
fully exposed. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
- Pray for leaders to be set in place who despise dishonest gain, whose hearts and motives are pure. (Proverbs 16:2)
- Pray
for wisdom to be released to those who have the power to implement for
more efficient and legitimate voter systems. (Proverbs 3:13)
- As the 2014 midterm elections are approaching and will be held in November, pray for the Church to vote for righteous candidates. (Deuteronomy 1:13)
ACT
- The biggest way you can act is to vote! Click here to see a list of USRPN voter guides for the 2014 midterm elections
(one for each state). This will allow you to know who the candidates
are and their beliefs, as well as what steps you need to take to vote.
- Consider running for a political office in your municipality so that you can be a positive, Christ-like influence in your area’s political system.
SOURCES
- Bacon, John. “Ex-New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin sentenced to 10 years.” USA Today. 9 July 2014. Web. 11 August 2014. http://www.usatoday.com/
story/news/nation/2014/07/09/ ray-nagin-new-orleans-mayor- sentencing/12397415/
- “Inaccurate, Costly, and Inefficient: Evidence that America’s
Voter Registration System Needs an Upgrade.” The Pew Charitable Trusts.
14 February 2012. http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/
research-and-analysis/reports/ 2012/02/14/inaccurate-costly- and-inefficient-evidence-that- americas-voter-registration- system-needs-an-upgrade
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