The excitement was almost palpable when conservatives first heard that (then, President-Elect) Trump would establish the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut America’s bloated bureaucracy. Under billionaire entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the federal government was to be subjected to the same scrutiny any business would get. Ramaswamy chose to leave right after Trump’s inauguration to pursue an elected office leaving Musk in charge. For the most part, the political left was silent. After all, who can argue with efficiency?
However, “efficiency” quickly changed to “accountability” when government agencies came under the scrutiny of DOGE. First came the shutdown of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) after it exploded like a cheap pinata filled with transgender and DEI expenditures around the globe. Then came the choreographed outrage in front of the Department of Education on February 7 and the subsequent intervention by federal judges to stop DOGE from digging any deeper.
Defenders of agencies like USAID will point out that billions have gone toward legitimate humanitarian causes like clean water and medical care for the poor. Whether these entities are good or bad is not the real issue. The fact is human beings don't like any accountability, and they especially don’t like it when it comes from those deemed unqualified. It’s a vivid demonstration of the sin of pride.
The Christian worldview shows us that our fallen nature recoils at the thought of someone examining our works and motives, but that is exactly every single person's destination. We live before the watchful eyes of an all-knowing God to whom we will give an account (Hebrews 4:13). The Bible also teaches that one day God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ (Romans 2:16). This is a profound truth that will lead to two different outcomes.
A natural man or woman lives for themselves. They reject ultimate Authority and the notion of being scrutinized by another set of standards. Transparency is fine, as long as it’s on their terms. When they’re challenged, they double down.
On the other hand, a man or woman who has experienced the saving grace of God through Christ will want to please God. They remember the awful death of Jesus on the cross as He paid the penalty for their sin. Even though the temptation to sin might seem overwhelming, the knowledge of accountability acts as a restraining influence that curbs rebellion and leaves them with a clear conscience.
Which one are you? Do you see accountability as a threat or a blessing? One day, Elon Musk will go back to his technical empire and DOGE will fall into the dustbin of history. But we are already being examined by an all-knowing God who can’t be gaslighted or intimidated. The good news is that He’s also a loving Savior who is willing to forgive all our sin if we repent and turn to Him.
