Not Picking Sides — Just Looking for Sense

I’ve been around long enough to know that real solutions don’t usually come from taking sides. They come from paying attention, asking the right questions, and being honest about what’s working and what’s not.

What concerns me right now is how quick we are to draw battle lines — not just in politics, but in everyday conversation. We’ve replaced thoughtful discussion with what I’d call tribal chaos: a kind of “my side versus yours” mentality where winning matters more than solving problems.

We’ve turned public policy into a tug-of-war, and in the process, lost sight of the people those policies are supposed to serve.

Here’s where I stand — not as a partisan, but as someone trying to stay grounded in reason, compassion, and truth.

1. Government should be limited — but not blind.

I don’t believe bigger government is the answer. More taxes and more red tape don’t magically make things better. But no government at all? That’s not the solution either. We still need someone keeping an eye on the money trail, the contracts, and the promises. Because when nobody’s watching, somebody’s gaming the system. That’s not conservative or liberal — it’s just reality.

2. People matter.

We can debate policy all day long, but at the end of the day, if our decisions aren’t helping people — especially those who can’t help themselves — we’ve missed the mark. Loving your neighbor as yourself isn’t a political position. It’s a life principle. Even if it’s not always returned, it’s still the right thing to do.

3. Business needs freedom — but not a free pass.

I’m all for economic growth. I’ve been in business most of my life. But I also know people will bend the rules if no one’s holding them accountable. Free markets work best when there’s trust and transparency. That doesn’t come from turning a blind eye. It comes from smart, limited oversight.

4. The truth doesn’t have a party.

We’ve got to stop dismissing ideas just because of who said them. I’ve seen good policies tossed out just because they came from the other side. I’ve seen bad policies passed because they had the right name on the front. That’s not leadership — that’s tribal chaos. And it’s hurting us more than it’s helping.

So what’s the answer?

I don’t claim to have all the solutions. But I do know this:

We need less noise and more clarity.

Less spin and more facts.

Less “my side wins” and more “our country works.”

If we could put principles ahead of partisanship — even just a little — we might start seeing real progress.

But I’ll also say this: I believe real change starts with a change of heart. Politics can only go so far. Lasting transformation comes when we start to care more about each other than about winning arguments.

From my perspective, that kind of heart change only truly begins with a relationship with the God of the universe — through His Son, Jesus Christ. That relationship has shaped how I see people, how I approach problems, and how I live out what I believe.

I’m not picking sides. I’m just trying to hold onto truth, show compassion, and stay grounded in what matters — even if that means walking a different path.

Tribal Chaos has to stop. Let’s make sense of this mess and act accordingly. 

The Real Standard for Contentment

In 1 Timothy chapter 6, Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader in the early church. But these words weren’t just for Timothy—they’re still speaking loud and clear today. God is using this passage to guide anyone trying to live a godly life in a world that constantly pushes for more.

There’s one verse that really stands out to me:

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:8)

That’s it. That’s the standard. Not overflowing closets. Not gourmet meals. Not six figures in the bank. Just food and clothing. Enough to live. Enough to keep going. Paul doesn’t say we might be content with these—he says we shall be. That’s a bold statement in today’s culture where contentment is usually tied to accumulation.

It’s not just a suggestion.

Right after that, Paul warns about the dangers of chasing more. Verse 9 lays it out: those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare. And I’ve seen it—over and over. People who appear to have everything, but are never satisfied. Meanwhile, I’ve met others who have very little, even living in shacks with dirt floors, and yet they radiate peace and joy.

That kind of contentment—the kind Paul is talking about—isn’t based on how much you have. It’s based on who you’re trusting. The key is pursuing God’s plan for your life,

But let me be clear—there’s nothing wrong with having material wealth. That’s not the issue. In fact, in 3 John 1:2, it says:

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

And in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us:

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

Contentment is God’s plan. Being content with what you have—that’s the point. Prosperity in itself is not evil. But chasing wealth for wealth’s sake can lead to all kinds of problems. God’s plan is about balance: having what you need, being content, and being positioned to give.

Giving is one of the biggest themes throughout the Bible. It’s not just a financial principle—it’s a Kingdom principle. Luke 6:38 says:

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.”

That’s the law of reciprocity. It’s also what we see in Genesis 8:22—“seedtime and harvest shall not cease.” The idea is simple: we’re blessed to be a blessing. But in order to give, we must first have something to give.

So whether you’re living modestly or have more than enough, the call is the same—pursue God, live with contentment, and give with a generous heart. That’s where you’ll find peace. That’s where you’ll find purpose. And that’s where you’ll find the kind of prosperity that truly lasts.

Government as Your Source: A Catch-22 That May Never Change

At one time in America, faith, family, and community were the foundation of support when people fell on hard times. Churches, neighbors, and charities stepped up to help those in need. But over time, that responsibility shifted. Today, many look to the government as the first and primary solution to personal and societal problems. What was once voluntary charity has become institutionalized assistance, and in the process, we’ve created a system of dependency that few can imagine living without.

The problem? Once government takes over a role, it rarely gives it back. And now we find ourselves in a Catch-22—government can’t just stop doing what it’s doing without creating massive hardship, yet the longer this system continues, the harder it becomes to undo. The truth is, this won’t be fixed in my lifetime, my children’s, or possibly even my grandchildren’s. That’s why so few people even consider what an alternative might look like—it seems too far gone, too big to change.

And yet, deep down, most people know government was never meant to be their source.

The Catch-22 of Government Dependency

Here’s the dilemma:

1. Government wasn’t always in this role. There was a time when communities took care of their own. Needs were met locally, not through bureaucracies.

2. Now, too many people depend on government help. Whether by necessity or design, the system has made government the go-to solution for everything from poverty to education to healthcare.

3. Government can’t just stop. Even if everyone agreed government overreach is a problem, cutting off assistance overnight would create chaos.

4. Politics won’t embrace change. No politician gets elected by telling people they need to rely less on government. If anything, the trend is toward expanding government’s role, not reducing it.

It’s a system that feeds itself. And the longer it runs, the harder it is for people to imagine life any other way.

Are There Necessary Exceptions?

Yes, there are cases where government assistance is needed. Some people simply cannot help themselves—whether due to disability, severe illness, or extreme hardship. As a society, we have a moral responsibility to care for those who truly cannot care for themselves. But even in these cases, the government should not be the provider—it should be the overseer. Social programs should be administered through the private sector, including faith-based and non-profit organizations, with government ensuring fairness and accountability.

This keeps assistance personal, local, and adaptable while avoiding the inefficiency and waste that often comes with bureaucracy. Government’s role should be protection, not provision—making sure those in need are helped but not making people dependent on an impersonal system that removes individual responsibility.

What About Social Security & Medicare?

Programs like Social Security and Medicare are different from other government assistance programs. They were designed as earned benefits, meaning people paid into them with the expectation of receiving benefits later in life. They are not the same as welfare, though their sustainability is now in question.

The reality is, Social Security and Medicare must be reformed to ensure they remain available for future generations. But that reform must not come at the expense of those who currently depend on them. People who have worked their entire lives with the promise of these benefits should not suffer due to poor management or political games.

Possible solutions include:

• Adjusting qualifications to ensure benefits go to those who need them most

• Raising age requirements gradually for future generations while protecting current recipients

• Cutting government waste and increasing efficiency to extend the longevity of these programs

If handled wisely, these programs can continue serving their intended purpose without becoming a financial burden that drags the country further into debt. But ignoring the problem will only lead to eventual collapse—one that will hurt the very people these programs were meant to protect.

The Real Benefit of Change: Lower Taxes

If people took back responsibility for themselves and their communities, the need for excessive government programs would shrink. With less government spending, taxes could be drastically reduced or even eliminated in some areas. Imagine a world where people kept more of what they earned, where charity and local organizations provided assistance efficiently without government waste, and where individuals had the freedom to build wealth without the government taking a massive cut.

Right now, a significant portion of tax dollars goes toward funding massive bureaucracies, many of which are inefficient, redundant, or outright wasteful. If government’s role was limited to protecting freedoms and other basic social programs rather than trying to be the provider of all things, the tax burden would shrink dramatically.

This isn’t a fantasy—it’s how things used to work. Before the rise of the welfare state, people had fewer taxes, stronger communities, and a greater sense of responsibility. The argument that “we need high taxes to help people” falls apart when you realize how much waste exists in government programs. If communities and charities took on these roles, we could help those in need without forcing people to give through taxation.

Could a Great Awakening Change Things?

History shows that people don’t change unless something forces them to. A shift away from government dependency won’t happen through political debates, economic policies, or even financial crises—it will require a change in people’s hearts. Something massive. Something spiritual.

Maybe, just maybe, God will intervene—not through a political movement or a policy change, but through a revival in the hearts of His people. If enough people decide to live differently, to recognize Him as their source rather than government, the shift could begin.

Imagine if churches once again became the primary places of refuge for the poor and struggling. If families reclaimed the responsibility for raising and educating their children with biblical truth. If believers demonstrated faith in action—not just words—by taking care of each other as Scripture commands. It wouldn’t be forced by law but chosen by conviction.

And if that happened? The impact would be freedom—financially, spiritually, and personally. Less government, fewer taxes, and stronger families. It wouldn’t be easy, but it would be worth it.

So Where Do We Go from Here?

For many, this is just a thought experiment. It’s an idea people nod their heads at but don’t believe can actually happen. And maybe they’re right—maybe this is just the way things are now.

For now, it starts with individuals who choose to live differently. People who refuse to put their faith in government and instead build their lives on something greater. If that happens, if enough people make that choice, the world might just change—not because of what government does, but because of what God’s people decide to do.

And in the process, we could reclaim not just our faith, but our freedom.

The question is: Are there enough people left who still believe that’s possible?

Skeptical About the Gospel? Good. Just Don’t Get Stuck There.

Ever sat through a sermon and thought, Something about this doesn’t feel right? Maybe you’ve seen pastors who flourish while their congregation struggles, or you’ve watched people get manipulated into giving, serving, or following blindly. You might’ve even walked away from church altogether, thinking, If this is what Christianity is, I want no part of it.

I get it. And believe it or not, the Bible does too.

When Caution Turns to Cynicism

There’s an old saying in church circles: We’re not called to judge, but we are called to be fruit inspectors. People love to quote “Don’t judge” whenever someone points out issues in the church, but Jesus Himself told us to inspect the fruit of those who claim to speak for Him.

• “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:16-17)

There’s a difference between healthy skepticism and cynicism.

• Skepticism says, I want to find the truth.

• Cynicism says, There is no truth. Everyone’s a fraud.

That second one? That’s a trap. Once you convince yourself that all preachers are corrupt and all churches are just power-hungry organizations, you stop seeking truth altogether. And that’s exactly where the enemy wants you—disconnected, disillusioned, and deceived into thinking Jesus isn’t worth pursuing because of how some people have misrepresented Him.

The Bible Warns Us About Bad Ministers

Let’s be real: some so-called ministers are a problem. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat it:

• “They claim to be devoted to God, but they deny him with the way they live. They are corrupt and unbelieving.” (Titus 1:16)

• “They think godliness is a way to make a profit.” (1 Timothy 6:5)

• “They disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But they are deceitful workers.” (2 Corinthians 11:13)

So yeah, if you’ve spotted preachers twisting the Gospel for personal gain, you’re not crazy. But that doesn’t mean all ministers are wolves in sheep’s clothing. That’s where discernment comes in.

How to Be a Fruit Inspector

If you’re trying to figure out whether a church or preacher is legit, inspect the fruit before you consume it. Here’s how:

1. Does Their Teaching Match the Bible?

• “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

• If a minister is adding to, twisting, or contradicting Scripture, that’s bad fruit.

Don’t just take their word for it—read the Bible for yourself. A real teacher of God’s Word won’t discourage you from asking questions or digging deeper.

2. Is the Scripture Being Taken Out of Context?

• “By the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact will be established.” (2 Corinthians 13:1)

A powerful tool of deception is misusing Scripture to make it say something it was never meant to say. Just because someone quotes the Bible doesn’t mean they’re using it correctly.

The best way to test this is to ask:

✔ Does this interpretation agree with other Scripture in the Bible?

✔ What do other biblical writers say on this subject?

✔ Is the passage being used as God intended, or is it being twisted for someone’s agenda?

God’s truth never contradicts itself. If a teaching is isolated and doesn’t line up with the rest of the Bible, it’s a red flag.

3. Do They Display the Fruit of the Spirit?

• “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

• If their ministry is built on fear, pride, greed, or control, that’s bad fruit.

If a preacher is constantly angry, manipulative, or obsessed with money and power, that’s a red flag.

4. Who Gets the Glory—Jesus or Them?

• “We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord.” (2 Corinthians 4:5)

A true minister points people to Christ, not themselves. If they’re more focused on building their brand, empire, or status than leading people to Jesus, that’s bad fruit.

5. What Kind of Disciples Are They Producing?

• “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

A good minister produces strong, biblically grounded believers who grow in their faith and follow Jesus—not dependent followers who can’t think for themselves.

The Danger of Ignoring the Warning Signs

The problem comes when people ignore the bad fruit because they like the way the preacher makes them feel. Maybe he’s a great speaker. Maybe the church has a good atmosphere. Maybe the messages are just encouraging enough but never challenge or convict.

But if the fruit is bad, the tree is bad. No matter how polished it looks on the outside.

For Those Who Are in Church: Know the Word for Yourself

If you’re already in church, don’t just assume that everything you hear is right. Be a fruit inspector:

✔ Study the Bible yourself. Don’t just take someone’s word for it.

✔ Ask questions. A healthy church allows and encourages this.

✔ Pay attention to spiritual fruit. If something feels off, it might be.

Final Thought: You’ll Never Find a Perfect Minister, But You Can Find Faithful Ones

Nobody gets it right all the time. Even the best ministers make mistakes. But there’s a difference between human imperfection and spiritual deception.

So don’t shut down your discernment. Test everything. Hold on to what is good. Reject what is false. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)

Because at the end of the day, what you believe matters. And bad fruit will never nourish your faith. Keep seeking truth. It will stand up to scrutiny.

Remember our goal is Heaven!