Truth—Power, Love and a Sound Mind

Guest Essay by Ben Gilmore

For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power,
and of love, and of a sound mind–2 Timothy 1:7

It has been my honor to write these columns since August 3, 1981 (32 years). Theme topics have, I trust, aimed at presenting sound principles upon which to evaluate our choices and govern out actions.

Our founders were correct in their belief that America could never be brought down by external forces. Rather, they warned, our vulnerability was from within. It is wrong to say, “America is a Christian nation because it was formed by Christians.” It is right to say, ”America is a Christian nation because it has a Christian form.”

“In proportion as Americans let go of faith in the absolute power of God, they have accepted the belief in an all powerful State.”—Verna M. Hall [Christian History of the Constitution, 1960]

Human history is full of examples where groups and nations found themselves in darkness (i.e., graft, treason, greed, lies, corruption of all sorts). Many of those examples have joyous conclusions as pockets of people humbly confessed the darkness and turned back to the laws of nature and of nature’s God.

Such darkness is spreading across America faster and faster. Truth is fighting to the surface as it always does. News of Benghazi treason, supplying guns to Mexican drug lords and Muslim Brotherhood thugs, IRS intimidation of patriotic groups – Things are piling up to the point that more and more folks are saying, “ENOUGH!”There is internet monitoring – I will be embarrassed if my name is left off their list!

All that to say this – Evil people misuse power in an effort to control by fear.

  • An “angry” mob seeks to intimidate with threats of violence. Keeping your cool confuses them.
  • A bureaucratic agency threatens financial ruin. Doing what is right because it is right often faces them down.
  • Police authority knocks to confiscate your firearms. Refusing to comply earns your day in court.

If you understand that your life, liberty and property are gifts from God – what have you to fear? Your choice is liberty under God, or slavery under men.  That’s a no-brainer choice!

God has given you a “spirit of power”. [2Tim 1:7 above]If Power is flowing from within you then stand firm in it. Rebuke fear!

God has given you a “spirit of love”.  [2Tim 1:7 above]If Love is flowing from within you then get your focus off of yourself and begin desiring the best for others! Rebuke fear!

God has given you a “spirit of a sound mind”. [2Tim 1:7 above]Observation and Reason are associated with your mind. Use it or lose it.  Rebuke fear!

Nothing so confuses the enemy as a group of Christians rejoicing over the victory BEFORE the battle has begun!

Ben Gilmore has been a Korean War era fighter pilot, Youth with a Mission evangelist, and political candidate and activist.  For the last thirty years or so, Ben has actively pursued and taught America’s Christian history and government.  With his dear wife Fran, accomplished scholar and writer, the Gilmores founded ACH Study Groups.  These courses prepare Christians to think and act in practical, systematically Biblical, relational terms regarding our civil responsibilities. Ben also serves as media spokesman for NPI’s new title by Mary-Elaine Swanson John Locke: Philosopher of American Liberty.  You may contact Ben at [email protected].

This essay originally published by ACH Study Groups as a part of an e-newsletter, May 15, 2013.

© 2013—Used by Permission

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