Clear Boundaries

It is a constant battleground in the world of politics. It is the challenge to form clear boundaries for political regions. This process is important because boundaries can help define a constituency, and in the process, help determine the outcome of elections.

This process often is known as “gerrymandering.” As defined by Britannica, this is “drawing the boundaries of electoral districts in a way that gives one party an unfair advantage over its rivals.”

The term is derived from the name of Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, who was born on this day in 1744. He is famed for enacting a law that defined new state districts.

The idea of “gerrymandering” not only infects the world of politics, it’s also fostered by a spirit of deception, seeking to manipulate circumstances or rules for a personal advantage.

The Bible makes clear that God hates every form of manipulation, deception, and dishonesty. He “detests double standards of every kind” (Proverbs 20:10, NLT). He “detests dishonest scales” (Proverbs 11:1). “Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making” (Proverbs 16:11).

The Bible makes clear that God wants His people always to tell the truth and live according to His eternal standards. These principles are to be lifetime commitments, employed in every situation. We are to walk in integrity in everything we do.

Manipulators may think they can gain advantages with their deceptions. But their advantages are only temporary. The Bible promises great rewards for those who are people of integrity. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9). “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:3).

In your life, make a renewed commitment to be a person of integrity. Always seek to please God and live according to His principles.