The Gospel According to Nixon

That's how it is with people. Nobody cares how it works as long as it works.
- Councillar Hamann, The Matrix Reloaded

Nixon was a pragmatist and represented in his own personality both the best and the worst in human nature. From Muslim Extremists, Nixon, and Historical Revisionism by Dr. Robert D. Crane, March 31st, 2003

Nixon was actually a democratic pragmatist capable of engaging friend or foe to advance the strategic interests of the United States. Relearning Nixon By Douglas W. Kmiec, December 6, 2000

We commonly understand that a definition of pragmatism is taken from the Machiavellian philosophy, "The end justifies the means."

The essence of Machiavelli's revolution was to judge the ideal by the actual rather than the actual by the ideal. An ideal is good for him, only if it is practical; thus, Machiavelli is the father of pragmatism. Not only does “the end justify the means” — any means that work — but the means even justify the end, in the sense that an end is worth pursuing only if there are practical means to attain it. In other words, the new summum bonum, or greatest good is success. (Machiavelli sounds like not only the first pragmatist but the first American pragmatist!) The Pillars of Unbelief — Machiavelli by Peter Kreeft

Our God is not a pragmatist. In fact, I believe that He is more interested in how we travel the journey we call life than He is interested that we "fulfilled our call."

In Hebrews 11, we read a listing by the author (whom I believe to have been Apollos) of the "heroes of the faith" - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, etc. Each of these men and women walked in faith. Each of these pursued God as their life's calling. Yet the chapter closes out with these statements.

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Heb 11:39-40 NIV

Now that is not to say that God was not true to His word. He fulfilled many promises and prophesies in and through them. However, for God the Father, the end does not justify the means.

In some countries, China for instance, the Christian church is illegal. Read 'Termites to National Security' By Tony Carnes, Christianity Today. In many muslim countries, it is illegal to preach the Gospel or evangelize. In these instances, we must stand with the words of Peter,

"We must obey God rather than men!" Acts 5:29 NIV

However, whenever and where ever possible, Paul exhorts us in this manner.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. Rom 13:1-3 NIV

We cannot afford to adopt or integrate the Machiavellian philosophy that success is good no matter the means to attain it. The police are permitted to lie to a suspect if that lie will or can produce evidence or illicit a confession. This is fine and acceptable for them. We, as Christians, must maintain a higher standard.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV

If we are to expect the miraculous, we must walk sanctified!

We cannot afford to speak "evangelastically", exaggerating numbers and statistics. We can ill afford to show misleading video and photos. We dare not skirt around the law because it is too difficult or time consuming to do otherwise or worse, because its the way everyone does it. Our decisions cannot be based solely on economics, i.e. we decide to not function within the law because of how much more it will cost us.

Do we think that the Almighty God is concerned about cost in terms of money? The God of all creation paid the ultimate price to reconcile man to Himself. Are we so self-absorbed as to think that this same God cares more about a balance sheet than He does the one or ten or hundred than may be reached through effective, righteous ministry?

I think not!

Our Father in heaven in more interested in what is accomplished in us - His nature and character - than in what we accomplish!

For us, the end never justifies the means!