Fighting Corruption With The Sword of the Spirit

"PUT ON THE NEW PERSONALITY WHICH WAS CREATED ACCORDING TO GOD'S WILL IN TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND LOYALTY." -Ephesians 4:24.

AT ITS height, the Roman Empire was the greatest human administration the world had ever seen.  Roman legislation was so effective that it is still the basis of the legal code of many countries.  Despite Rome's  achievements, however, her legions were unable to conquer one insidious enemy: corruption.  Finally, corruption hastened Rome's downfall.

The apostle Paul was one who suffered under corrupt Roman officials. Felix, the Roman governor who interrogated him, apparently recognized Paul's innocence. But Felix, one of the most corrupt governors of his day, delayed Paul's trial, hoping that Paul would give him money to secure his release. -Acts 24:22-26.

Such a stand was in stark contrast with the morals of the time.  Felix's brothers Pallas was one of the richest men of the ancient world, and his wealth -calculated at $45 million-was accumulated almost entirely by bribery and extortion.  His fortune, however, pales into insignificance when compared  with the billions of dollars  some corrupt 20th-century rulers have hidden away in secret bank accounts.  Clearly, only the naive would believe that  today's governments have won the war against corruption.

Since corruption has remained entrenched for so long, must we assume that it is just part of human nature? Or can something be done to curb corruption?

Next time: How Can Corruption Be Curbed?

The Watchtower, 2000