Hot Topics: Lobbyists

You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.

Exodus 23:8 (ESV)

A bribe corrupts the heart.

Ecclesiastes 7:7 (ESV)

Because advertising is expensive, and U.S. elections require BIG bucks,

  • Because candidates need publicity and can't seem to win races without it,

  • Because big business has cash to invest and seeks political alliances,

  • Because CEOs want laws that help them, they help put “friends” in the U.S. Congress!

Yet NOT ONLY “friendly” legislators, but also political lobbyists (hired by corporations and big causes, like drug companies or the NRA).

Lobbyists are business ambassadors, pushing deals to help their employers grow.

One lobbyist, who had a change of heart, calls lobbying “legalized bribery”. He has since left the field, but describes it.*

Clearly, the U.S. lobbying system is a pay-to-play association. Many of our governmental leaders are “beholden” to special interest groups.

What can we do?

Be aware and oppose it where we can, but also rest assured, since God sees all! Bribery, whether it's legal or not, is loathsome to Him. Sooner or later, graft will be revealed, and justice will be served by God Himself.

However, we can be “lobbyists”, too, (decidedly and purposely unpaid:), meaning we can contact our congressmen to say we want changes in the system, and laws against special interests (bribes).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

In terms of political involvement, ‘Make it your goal to live a quiet life’ (1 Thessalonians 4:11). In other words, ‘Seek peace and pursue it’ (Psalm 34:14). 

You’ll set yourself up for elevation, and Jesus will be clearly seen in you!

Hot Topics: Lobbyists (Part 40)

* Article: I was a lobbyist for more than 6 years. I quit. My conscience couldn't take it anymore:

I was a lobbyist for more than 6 years. I quit. My conscience couldn’t take it anymore. | Vox

** 'I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a native green tree. Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found (Psalm 37:35-36, NKJV).

*** Chart: The mammoth cost of US elections in context | Statista (NOTE: This chart is from 2016, and I couldn’t find a more recent one. But since no laws have passed to limit spending, it is certainly much higher.)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban