A biblical perspective on fiscal conservatism
“Fiscal responsibility,” or “fiscal conservatism,” is a common phrase in our political scene. But do your elected officials and candidates understand the reasons behind this idea? Have they thought about why fiscal conservatism works for the good of everyone, and how it can align with biblical principles?
Have you?
Here are a few points for you to consider and share with other voters!
What is a fiscal conservative?
A fiscal conservative generally believes in lower taxes on the American people and spending limited to what is approved by the U.S. Constitution (and your state constitution, for your state legislature).
The objective is to keep more money in your pocket and limit the size of government.
Four Things to Remember About Fiscal Conservatism
1. Fiscal conservatism is part of a larger effort to conserve all our freedoms
Ronald Reagan reminded us when he left office, “[M]an is not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts.”
For liberty to expand, government must tax and spend with restraint.
2. Fiscal conservatism acknowledges the good and bad of human nature
When government is limited, we have more freedom to reap the fruits of our labor, which creates an incentive to provide for ourselves, be creative and generous, and make wise choices with our money.
The reality of human nature is that we are likely to be more responsible with our own resources than with someone else’s, especially when we know we will not be held accountable for our actions.
Now consider the way government handles your money. Do words
like “wasteful,” “irresponsible,” and “corrupt,” come to mind?
The
reality of human nature is that we are likely to be more responsible with
our own resources than with someone else’s, especially when
we know we will not be held accountable for our actions. This is why many
well-intended but expensive government programs do not achieve the human
flourishing they were expected to produce.
3. Fiscal conservatism must preserve and encourage Judeo-Christian values
In spite of the wastefulness of government, it does have a God-ordained purpose for which our tax dollars are needed. In protecting our freedom and maintaining order, government is supposed to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good (1 Peter 2:14).
Since we are to be subject to our governing authorities (Romans 13:1), we should ask not only “How much am I going to be taxed?” but also, “What values will my tax dollars be promoting? Life, or death? Family, or irresponsibility? Liberty, or license?”
4. Fiscal conservatism must align with the biblical principle of stewardship
Liberty won’t last long without a moral foundation. We must remember that everything—including the money with which we pay taxes—belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). He has given us the responsibility of stewarding those resources and will hold us accountable.
God will also hold our governing authorities accountable for how they steward the taxes we pay (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Public servants who steward our money recklessly or use it to promote ungodliness are not doing their jobs as He intended.
Imagine if all our legislators stopped to ask themselves, “If God asked me to give an account for the way I handle the tax dollars of my neighbors, would He be pleased?”
What Can You Do?
The fact is, there are public servants who ask questions like that! There are some who believe in limited, constitutional government, in the freedom to reap the fruits of your labor, and in preserving Judeo-Christian values for the good of everyone. But we need more of them!
Your vote is the number one way to hold your lawmakers accountable for the way they steward your taxes. iVoterGuide is an essential tool to help you evaluate what your candidates believe and how likely they will be to stick to their principles.
Please tell a friend about iVoterGuide today so they can be equipped to make an informed decision on the next stewards of the money entrusted to them by God!
