From Iraq: Good News about Local Government
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Coos Bay, Eugene and Roseburg, Oregon
Some good news just came out of Iraq—out of
its villages and towns. The Iraqis have not enjoyed the satisfaction
or community challenge of participating in local government for 35 or
40 years. Yet in the constructive aftermath of the January 2005 elections,
local municipal governments are now assuming their roles and duties.
A recent Associated Press news release by Antonio Castaneda describes
a genuine benefit for Iraq after being "conquered" by the
United States, "But the U.S. soldiers, mindful that their eventual
departure hinges on robust local governments, directed villagers to local
officials and elected representatives—a mind-bending concept for
Iraqis formerly accustomed to all power flowing from Saddam Hussein in
Baghdad."
The news release explains that in modern Iraqi history villagers have
not had a functioning local government to turn to for the myriad practical
matters and problems facing the small towns—like school repairs
and water treatment facilities. Since the American invasion in 2003 the
locals have looked to the U.S. military as the new "power broker" to
fix local problems. But since the elections soldiers are now placing
the new local officials in the active limelight, while the troops themselves
continue to assist in the repair of basic infrastructure.
The net result is a more invigorated and appropriately empowered populace.
This generates a striking contrast with the past. The news release points
out this contrast by citing Phebe Marr, author of The Modern History
of Iraq, "In Saddam's Iraq, everyone was encouraged
to look to the center—and to a lesser degree the party—for
action."
But isn't that the trouble with totalitarian dictators? They
want to dictate everything to everybody. Like a giant ego-vortex a dictator
sucks all attention, adulation and power to his own violent and oppressive
self.
The one truly freedom-loving Messiah had them pegged. "You know
that the rulers of Gentiles [nations] lord it over them [their subjects],
and those who are great exercise authority over them." Freedom
doesn't thrive when folks are being "lorded over" and
hammered by inconsiderate "authority" (Matthew 20:25).
Jesus Christ describes the right kind of leadership, "Yet it
shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among
you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first
among you, let him be your slave..." Leaders who actually serve
their people are not the stuff that dictators are made of!
But it is the stuff that Jesus Christ is made of. He continues, "...
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His
life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28) Imagine that, government
actually "for" the people.
That is a radical, yet—when you think about it—a completely
practical concept of leadership. It permits freedom to plan and achieve
personal and community progress and accomplishment. Just think, it's
like Jesus walking through the door and saying, "I'm from
the government, and I'm here to help you"—honestly
meaning that He will help you!
Christ is an exporter of true freedom—a much deeper freedom than
any offered today. And when He returns to rule this earth He will begin
by establishing citizen-oriented national and local governments everywhere.
God has always worked through people, and His principles never change
(Hebrews 13:8).
But there is an opportunity for local governmental oversight that you
might be interested in. The Parable of the pounds (or minas—Greek coins)
is a short story by Jesus teaching a lesson of truth and freedom. It
reveals that in the cities of the millennial world—over which Jesus
Christ will rule—local leaders will be appointed in the various
regions, cities, towns and villages from those who have faithfully served
Christ in this life. They will instill the concepts of true freedom,
based on serving others instead of abusing them (Luke 19:13-27). Applicants
for these positions, as the educators and trainers of loving leadership
in the world to come, must be willing to change their minds and hearts
now—from the inside out.
Such leadership calls for supreme, faithful dedication to God's
truth—today! Not many are willing to take this challenge. But the
opportunity is open. You could become a teacher of the truths that set
people truly free (John 8:32). You could become an exporter of the golden
freedom that will make the Statue of Liberty will look like a toy soldier
by comparison!
 If you're ready for this opportunity, then be advised that Christ's
employment office is open 24/7. You can apply now. For instruction on
how to fill out your application, request or download our free booklet:
The Road to Eternal Life.
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