Of Clive Bundy, Truth & Consequences

By: American Decency Staff

 

Regardless of how one interprets the Constitution regarding Cliven Bundy grazing his cattle on federal land (some, like Mr. Bundy, would say that the Constitution makes no provision for the federal government to own land—so it’s not the government’s), it’s impossible to deny the massive wrongs done to them by the federal government. The government has enormous power over the lives and liberty of its citizens; regardless of Bundy’s actions, its purpose is to protect its citizens and to be a stalwart example of the rule of law. Its actions must be above reproach, always acting within its constitutional boundaries.

I am not naive. Imperfect men may for whatever reason act in pride, anger, tyranny, or any other sinful action, thereby misrepresenting the government or even abusing the power they may wield. Nonetheless, when confronted with their wrongdoing they should be honest, “taking their lumps” as it were, rather than attempting to hide it.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) special agent Larry Wooten exposed much of the government’s wrong-doings in a special report. (Beware of bad language in this report as it quotes men with foul mouths.) Some of these gross violations include unnecessary violence against Dave Bundy, choosing to bring about “the most intrusive, oppressive, large-scale, and militaristic trespass cattle impound possible,” misrepresentation of the truth regarding snipers at trial, and withholding exculpatory evidence.

Judge Gloria Navarro ruled against the federal government, dismissing the case against the Bundys “with prejudice” on January 8, 2017. This ruling came as a result of federal prosecutors willfully withholding exculpatory evidence in favor of the Bundys, thereby violating their civil rights by hiding evidence from the court.

In this 33 minute video interview with Cliven and his son Ryan, we learn firsthand about some of these egregious miscarriages of justice and their concern about whether county sheriffs will carry out their constitutional duty or if they will just stand idly by while the federal government abuses its power. It’s evident that the Bundys have learned the importance of knowing the Constitution and standing boldly on the rights that are guaranteed within it. They both carry a pocket Constitution around with them and are encouraging others to know their constitutional rights and privileges; because every American citizen is entitled to the full protection of the law of the land.

A good understanding of the Constitution and of state laws is essential for walking rightly; even the Apostle Paul, as a citizen of Rome, appealed to his rights as a citizen. Even more importantly to Paul, and necessary for us, is to have a good understanding of the Word of God.

I urge you to take to heart the children’s song The B-I-B-L-E. The last line speaks volumes for us adults; “I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.” If we are to stand sure upon Scripture, we must in faith believe it, allow the Spirit to illuminate our understanding of it, and decisively, diligently stand upon it.

Too many unknowingly allow their understanding to be perverted by the spirit of this world; they do not steep themselves in the pure Word of God. We must seek a pure faith, pure knowledge, and pure understanding, unmixed with the world and its allurements and unmixed with our own feelings and carnal desires. Too many Christians don’t heed Paul’s warning in Ephesians 4:17-18; “…walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:”

Pray with Paul for an enlightened understanding and for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ (Eph. 1:17-18). A pure Biblical understanding will help to keep us from error as we encounter national, cultural, moral, relational, and various other issues. Stand ALONE on the Word of God when asking about immigration, equality, abortion, capital punishment, homosexuality, is it okay to smoke pot, etc.

One day we will each stand before a greater judge than Justice Navarro and will give an account of our own actions and someone else’s wrong actions won’t negate our consequences. As my dad always told me, “It doesn’t matter what your sister did. You are responsible for your own actions.” So, I urge you to study the Bible, know the Truth, and stand boldly upon the Truth.

 

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