Conclusion of GOD'S KINGDOM A Government With No Corruption- 4.LAWS

4. LAWS

THE PROBLEM: At first, you might think that enacting new laws could improve matters. However, experts have found that in many cases, increasing the number of laws just provides more opportunities for corruption. Additionally, legislation specifically intended to reduce corruption often costs much to implement yet accomplishes little. 

THE SOLUTION: The laws of the Kingdom of God are vastly superior to those of human governments. For example, rather than itemizing an extensive list of do's and don'ts, Jesus gave what is often called the Golden Rule. He stated:  "All things, therefore,  that you want men to do to you, you must also do to them." (Matthew 7:12) Perhaps more significantly, the laws of the Kingdom focus on both motives and actions. "You must love your neighbor as yourself," said Jesus.  (Matthew 22:39)  Of course, God, who can read the heart, could actually enforce such commands. -1 Samuel 16:7. 

5. MOTIVES

THE PROBLEM: The driving forces behind corruption are greed and self-interest. Government officials and citizens often display those negative qualities. In the department-store collapse in Seoul mentioned in the preceding article, government officials accepted bribes from contractors who knew that paying a bribe would be less costly than using proper building materials  and construction practices. 

To eliminate corruption, then, people must be taught how to overcome entrenched motives such as greed and selfishness.  However, human governments lack both the will and the ability to implement this type of educational program. 

THE SOLUTION: God's Kingdom deals with corruption at its roots by teaching people how to overcome the wrong motives that cause it.  This education helps them "to be made new in [their] dominant  mental attitude.  (Ephesians 4:23) They learn to replace greed and selfishness with contentment and interest in others. -Philippians 2:4; 1 Timothy  6:6.

6. SUBJECTS

THE PROBLEM: Even in the best environment and with the finest education in morals, some people will choose to be dishonest and corrupt. Experts admit that this is why human governments cannot eliminate corruption. (Note: That is because the governments are the biggest crooks in the universe)  The most destructive effects of corruption can be limited.

THE SOLUTION: The United Nations Convention Against Corruption states that to fight corruption, governments should promote "integrity, honesty and responsibility." (Note: That would be impossible because they don't have a clue as to what those are, since they have none to speak of) While this is a noble goal, God's Kingdom does more than just promote these qualities-it requires  them of its subjects. The Bible says that "greedy people" and "liars" will not qualify to inherit the Kingdom. -1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 21:8.  

People can learn to adhere to those high moral standards, as the early Christians proved.  For example, when a disciple named Simon tried to buy a spiritual favor from the apostles, they refused the bribe and told him:  "Repent of this badness of yours."   Once Simon saw the danger of his wrong desire, he asked the apostle to pray in his behalf so that he could overcome it. -Acts 8:18-24. 

HOW TO BECOME A SUBJECT OF THE KINGDOM

Regardless of your nationality, you have the opportunity to become a subject of God's Kingdom. (Acts 10:34, 35) The program of education offered by the Kingdom-which is available around the world right now-will show you how Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to demonstrate their free home Bible study arrangement, which can take as little as ten minutes a week. Among other things, you can learn more about "the good news of the Kingdom of God," including how it will eliminate government corruption. (Luke 4:43) We invite you to contact the Witnesses in your area or to visit our Web site,  jw.org. 

Next time: Bible truth satisfied my thirst for answers

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015