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Published 1-26-1987
Worthen our 'Big Brother?'
Government ordained by God
"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine...And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." John 10:11,14
People make mistakes. People sin. All of us have done things we shouldn't have. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
As young adults, we college students are especially vulnerable; there are many ways in which students go wrong. Sometimes student publications, such as The Daily News, have printed terrible heretical writings, thinking they are humorous. Many students are weighted down, hooked to the ball and chain of sin, and sick at heart. For some, it is chemicals or booze. For others it is sex. For some it is rock music. If you really want to see what a group of lost souls looks like, go to that den-of-iniquity No Bar and Grill, where I will be witnessing this Friday.
It's not as bad as it may seem, though, because ours is a loving God, and he did not leave his flock of sheep unattended. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: The powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt though then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister of God to thee for good." Romans 13:1-4.
If you are still not certain of God's intent, see I Peter 2:13-16, also. God sent governments to watch over us with his authority.
It is the job of government, then, to give us guidance. In our country, it is primarily the state government that is responsible for schools: They set the regulations, pay the bills and certify our teachers. As Christian students, we can see that it would be to our advantage if the legislature had an agent, or a small group of agents, on campus to guide student activity and to help us keep things straight.
Here at Ball State, the Board of Trustees and the president are our government, though their power is weak. They are scrutinized by the government and are legally its agents. And, since he came to office in 1984, University President John Worthen has certainly guided us diligently.
The government should be keeping us from doing wrong. Our leaders can save us from doing things we might regret throughout eternity. It could be any of us. It could be a hall council wanting to show a filthy movie. It could be a young woman wanting to have a boyfriend in her dorm room overnight. Or it could be a future Daily News writer wanting to promote abortion rights and birth control.
The government and the administration are not our enemies any more than Christ is our enemy. The administration and their Student Publications Subcommittee can give our student editors a new sense of security; the staff of The Daily News should appreciate the guidance.
Let us not feel free, however, to abuse our leaders. "But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Romans 13:4.
The government is sent by God to watch us while the master is away, like an older sibling in the home. Faith in Christ leads us to faith in our governments. It's like having "big brother" watching over us.
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Albert Barger, a junior majoring in political science, psychology, and journalism, writes "God and Country" weekly for The Daily News. His views do not necessarily represent those of The Daily News or Ball State University.
