As U.S. federal power and authority grows, who holds the government accountable and oversees its fiscal responsibility?
PRAY FIRST for God’s guidance and wisdom for our nation’s leaders. May God give them the clarity and compassion needed to address the economic challenges we face and help us to support one another and work together to find solutions that uplift the most vulnerable among us.
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7
Change is inevitable in our lives and the world around us. We witness it in everything from weather patterns to social norms. It comes as no surprise that our government has experienced substantial shifts within our lifetime, such as its authority and size. From its inception, the U.S. federal government was designed with limited powers—generally prioritizing states’ rights and freedoms of individual citizens. Over time, particularly through the 20th and 21st centuries, federal authority has expanded significantly due to various economic crises, wars, and social programs.
The Size of Government
Historically, the size of the U.S. government has generally increased. Major expansions occurred during the New Deal era, World War II, and the Great Society programs of the 1960s. In recent decades, federal government spending and the scope of federal programs have continued to grow. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), federal spending was projected to be $6.27 trillion in 2024, compared to $4.45 trillion in 2014—adjusted for inflation.
The U.S. government has faced criticism for its handling of spending and debt. Despite efforts to impede spending, the national debt has continued to rise. This year, the national debt stands at approximately $32 trillion. While there have been attempts to address the deficit—budget control acts and spending caps—these measures have often been undermined by subsequent legislation or economic necessities.
Increasing Government Authority
Given the ongoing issues with debt management, some argue that increasing government authority might offer a solution.
Pros:
Enhanced Regulation: Increased government authority could lead to stricter regulations in critical sectors like finance, healthcare, and the environment, potentially leading to greater public safety and well-being.
Social Programs: Expansion could support more comprehensive social welfare programs, providing a safety net for the vulnerable populations.
Cons:
Reduced Individual Freedoms: Greater authority could infringe on personal liberties and increase government surveillance.
Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: An overly large government can lead to inefficiencies, corruption, and slower decision-making processes.
Religious Freedom: Increased government authority could also have a major impact on religious freedom in various ways. Stricter regulations and policies can limit the autonomy of religious institutions, potentially affecting their ability to operate freely. Conversely, enhanced protections for religious practices could be implemented—safeguarding these freedoms more effectively.
Decreasing Government Authority
It is also necessary to evaluate what would happen Should the government choose to relinquish some of its authority.
Pros:
Increased Personal Freedoms: Citizens and states could have greater autonomy and freedom from federal intervention.
Economic Efficiency: A smaller government could result in reduced taxes and less bureaucratic red tape, potentially fostering economic growth.
Cons:
Weaker Social Safety Nets: Reduced federal oversight could lead to cuts in essential services and social programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Inconsistent Regulations: States might adopt disparate policies, leading to inconsistencies and potential inequities across the country.
Accountability and Its Impact
It is important to consider the broader implications of government accountability, especially in managing debt and spending, which can have severe repercussions upon the working middle class, rural areas, those living in poverty, and retirees. They could all end up facing higher taxes and reduced public services amidst increased economic instability. If the government continues to avoid accountability, it might lead to civil unrest as economic disparities widen, which has been seen in other countries recently.
Despite government leaders incurring the national deficit, ultimately the burden falls on citizens as taxpayers. Paying off the national debt would require significant policy changes, including spending cuts, tax increases, or a combination of both. The timeline for paying off the debt, if pursued aggressively, could span several decades at minimum. It is uncertain if a shift in priority to pursue a complete payoff would be feasible given the current economic climate and political will.
Looking ahead, the future projections for government spending and deficits are quite sobering. For 2025, the CBO projects continued high levels of government spending, with the deficit expected to remain substantial. Projections indicate that federal spending in 2024 will exceed $6.5 trillion (about $20,000 per person in the U.S.), with the deficit approaching $1.8 trillion if current policies persist.
The implications of increased government authority extend to various sectors, including religious organizations. An increase in government authority, coupled with a lack of accountability, could adversely affect churches and religious organizations. These institutions might face more stringent regulations and reduced funding for their outreach programs. Historically, churches have adapted by increasing community support and volunteerism to sustain their programs during financial hardships.
To mitigate these potential issues, the U.S. Constitution, along with various laws and policies, provides checks and balances. These include the separation of powers, regular elections, and the protection of individual rights.
How can we as Christians respond?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be pillars of support and love in our communities, especially for those in need. We should set an example by providing assistance, fostering hope, and calling on leaders to consider fiscally responsible actions and legislation. We should pray for our leaders to have wisdom and for our communities to have strength.
Our faith should drive us to prayerfully seek God’s will so that we might take meaningful action, living out the values of empathy and responsible stewardship. Balancing government authority and accountability is a complex but a necessary endeavor. By working together and advocating for policies that promote integrity and stability, we can help build a more just and flourishing society.
Most importantly, as the election nears, we should pray and then vote for wise officials who are committed to making the long-term decisions that can best impact the future of our nation. People of faith must also be open to the call of public office and service. God uses each of us in different ways, and America needs more God-fearing leaders standing up!
HOW THEN SHOULD WE PRAY:
— Pray for policymakers to act with integrity and prioritize the common good over personal and political gain, and for God to help them navigate the complexities of our economic situation with insight and foresight. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5
— Pray for all citizens of the nation to be able to come together to help one another and work collaboratively towards godly solutions that positively impact and benefit our communities and cities. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
CONSIDER THESE ITEMS FOR PRAYER:
- Pray for our leaders to develop and implement policies that promote sustainable growth, reduce inequality, and provide opportunities for all.
- Pray for those who are most affected by economic hardship: the poor, the unemployed, the elderly, and the marginalized. Fill our hearts with compassion to support them in their time of need, and for churches and faith communities as they serve those affected by economic difficulties.
- Pray for men and women of God to be willing to step into leadership roles. Serving locally, at state levels, or on the national stage, promoting Godly values and being strong representatives of God’s love.
Sources: Congressional Budget Office, Federal Reserve, U.S. Department of Treasury, CNN, MSNBC, U.S. Government Accountability Office, ABC News, Fox News
