Our Need For Godliness

In Proverbs 14, we can read a passage that shows us the importance of a nation and its leaders who exercise wisdom - true wisdom, consistent with Scriptural teaching. It says:
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant, But his wrath is against him who causes shame.

It was a trap.

The U.S. Supreme Court, over the last few years, has made some decisions that have rattled the progressive establishment, not the least of which is the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.  Those upset with the Constitutional appointment of justices to the high court have suggested such outlandish measures as expanding the court and attempting to falsely paint certain justices with whom they disagree as somehow compromised.

Samuel Alito is the author of the majority opinion in the Dobbs case which overturned Roe.  And, he is certainly on the receiving end of attempts to sully his record and his character. And, as The Daily Citizen, the news arm of Focus on the Family, reported: "Liberal political consultant Lauren Windsor attended a dinner...for the Supreme Court Historical Society, pretending to be a religious conservative. She struck up conversations with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Alito, secretly recording her interactions with them."  The article went on to say:

Trying to bait Justice Alito into saying something inflammatory, Ms. Windsor said that “as a Catholic,” she doesn’t think “we can negotiate with the left in the way that, like, needs to happen for the polarization to end. I think that it’s a matter of, like, winning.”

The article noted:

Justice Alito responded,

I think you’re probably right. One side or the other is going to win. I don’t know. I mean, there can be a way of living together peacefully, but it’s difficult, you know, because there are differences on fundamental things that really can’t be compromised.

As recounted by The Wall Street Journal, “Ms. Windsor then suggest[ed] people of faith ‘have got to keep fighting for that, to return our country to a place of godliness.’”

Justice Alito replied: “I agree with you. I agree with you.”

The Daily Citizen states, "So, where’s the scandal? What’s the problem with the justice’s remarks?" The article goes on to say:

Joan Biskupic, CNN’s Senior Supreme Court Analyst, claimed Justice Alito’s comments “reinforce why people are skeptical of the Supreme Court.” She said his comments were full of “religious zeal” that has “long been evident in Alito’s statements and written opinions.”

Biskupic implies that Justice Alito’s faith – and his recognition of the deep partisan divide in our nation – undermines his ability to do his job.

The article likened this analyst's comments to those of former California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who in a Congressional hearing, said to then-federal appeals court nominee, now-Supreme Court justice Amy Coney Barrett, according to First Things: “The dogma lives loudly within you...And that’s of concern.”  That is a reference, as The Daily Citizen points out, to Barrett's Catholic faith.

The problem with Alito's remarks, which were solicited under false pretenses - that, by the way, is the big story here, is that they do not conform with the progressive viewpoint that is prevalent in media and certain sectors of government today.  The Daily Citizen addressed Alito's judicial philosophy of interpreting the Constitution based on its original wording, and the justice is duty-bound to uphold the Constitution. But, I do believe that his judicial philosophy is consistent with his worldview, which is shaped by his religious beliefs.  The founding principles of our nation, and by extension, the Constitution, are consistent principles found in the Bible. 

Alito, apparently, did not say the word, "godliness."  That was a trap by the columnist.  But, we should be glad that he recognizes the moral decline our nation is facing.  Wouldn't we rather have a nation that is predicated on the teachings of Scripture than the lawlessness that has produced so much concern across our country?   Godly leadership should produce moral behavior. Some are uncomfortable with that, but too often they offer bankrupt ideas that do not contribute to an orderly, functioning society.  

So, as we continue to pray for our leaders, including our Supreme Court justices, who have difficult decisions that are before them on a consistent basis, I don't think it's out of line to pray that they exercise godly wisdom.  Wisdom based on the Scriptures can contribute to a nation that reflects the principles upon which it was founded and has been sustained.