The Government’s “Point”
In recent weeks, members of Congress—particularly some on the Democratic side—have openly admitted that their refusal to pass the federal budget isn’t about the numbers themselves, but about leverage. In other words, they’re willing to let ordinary Americans suffer—government workers go unpaid, families lose assistance, and vital services halt—not because they can’t agree on the math, but because they want to “make a point.”
They believe that letting people hurt will pressure the other side into giving them what they want.
But let’s be honest: that isn’t leadership. It’s pride disguised as principle.
And before we point fingers, we should pause—because every one of us has done something similar.
We’ve all had moments where we wanted to prove a point more than we wanted to do what’s right.
Reflection – The Cost of Making a Point
Have you ever argued with someone, maybe your spouse, a friend, or even a coworker, where deep down you knew what was right—but you kept pushing because you wanted to win?
You knew the argument wasn’t worth it. You knew your silence or your grace would honor God. But you couldn’t let it go because you wanted to prove something.
That’s exactly what’s happening in Washington right now—on a national scale. But spiritually, many of us do the same thing in our homes, our workplaces, and even our churches.
The issue isn’t the topic; it’s the heart behind it.
Biblical Truth – Saul’s Example of Pride
1 Samuel 15 gives us a sobering example.
God told King Saul to destroy everything that belonged to the Amalekites, but Saul decided to keep the best animals to offer as a sacrifice. When Samuel confronted him, Saul defended his decision—he wanted to make a point that he was being religious, that he had a good reason. But Samuel’s reply was firm:
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”
— 1 Samuel 15:22 (MEV)
Saul wanted to justify himself. God wanted obedience.
Saul wanted to look right. God wanted him to be right.
Because Saul insisted on making his point, he lost his kingdom.
Pride vs. Principle
There’s a dangerous line between standing for truth and standing for ego.
Proverbs 16:18 says:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
— Proverbs 16:18 (MEV)
It’s easy to claim that we’re “standing on principle” when really, we’re just refusing to humble ourselves.
The Pharisees did this too—they constantly argued with Jesus, not because they were seeking truth, but because they wanted to make their point.
They wanted to prove they were right—even when Truth Himself stood in front of them.
When Right Becomes Wrong
We can be right in fact and wrong in spirit.
When Jesus faced the woman caught in adultery (John 8), the crowd had the law on their side—they were technically right.
But their hearts were cold.
Jesus showed that mercy, forgiveness, and righteousness must all walk together.
Doing what is right means choosing God’s heart, not just our opinion.
Personal Challenge
Take a moment this week and ask yourself:
-
Am I trying to win this argument, or am I trying to honor God?
-
Is this about truth, or about ego?
-
Will this choice heal or harden the situation?
Maybe there’s someone you need to forgive.
Maybe you need to let something go even though you could prove your point.
Maybe, like the leaders in Washington, you’ve been holding something hostage—not a budget, but a relationship, an apology, or your own peace—just to “make a point.”
Closing Scripture
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
— Romans 12:21 (MEV)
When we choose humility over pride, and righteousness over revenge, we invite God’s favor into our lives.
The world doesn’t need more people trying to make a point.
It needs more people willing to do what’s right—even when it costs them something.
Prayer
Lord, forgive us for the times we’ve chosen to win arguments instead of winning hearts.
Help us to recognize when pride disguises itself as principle.
Give us the courage to obey You, even when it means letting go of our own point of view.
Teach us to lead with humility, grace, and truth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
