What is it? What does it mean? Is it a definition of government like democracy? Perhaps it is one of race and position like autocracy? Actually meritocracy is a word used to define one of Abraham Lincoln's most cherished ideals. The word means: "government by the class of people who are in prominent positions because of their ability, real or apparent." It is a nice sounding word. It means that one merits the right to rule (in an abbreviated definition). Abraham Lincoln is one of the most highly respected presidents of the United States of America. He believed that the essence of the promise of life in America was: "to lift artificial weights from all shoulders," and "offered all an unfettered start, and a fair chance, in the race of life." Abraham Lincoln would have been 200 years old this year if he would still be alive. More books have been written about him and his ideals than any other person except Napoleon and Jesus Christ. Another 60 new books are being written just for the month of February 2009 to add to the 16,000 already written. Thus there are a formidable number of books about this imposing man.
Abraham Lincoln wanted a nation in which all citizens would have the opportunity to dig themselves out of poverty and circumstances that chained them, and to lead them to a life where hard work and diligence would be rewarded with success and position. His cherished philosophy grew out of his own circumstance - where falling seven times (as Prov. 24:16 tells us) is a low number. He had numerous failures in life's endeavors, but he did not let his underprivileged position and lack of finances prevent his growth, development and success. It has been said that President Obama's constant reference to Abraham Lincoln is a contradiction of ideologies. The moods and mind-set of the Oval Office today is the bail-out and hand-out to failed enterprises. It seems to be rewards for failure. Abraham Lincoln would tell people to try a lot harder to repair the faltering commitment to meritocracy.
Jesus Christ told us: "the poor you will have with you always" (Matt. 26:11) and He did not turn from helping those who had a real need. His principles, though, spoke strongly of merit for deeds. The life-style that believes the worker is worth his wages (I Tim. 5:18) does reflect the concept of merit or deserving reward. The Bible also tells us that those who refuse to work should not eat (2 Thess. 3:10). We should work to give to those in need (Eph. 4:28). Clearly there is a responsibility on each person to work hard for the good of themselves, their families and the nation. The principle God directs towards us all is that we reap what we sow in life (Gal. 6:7). Abraham Lincoln's lifelong example was one of continued determined improvement of himself - so that he finally did merit the position of president. Abraham Lincoln did not become rich through being president. He did not die a wealthy man - but he died respected and loved. God also promises reward or merit for effort and a job well done (Matt. 16:27). One should not make the mistake of thinking that these rewards have anything to do with earning salvation - that is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. It is what we do with the wonderful gift of knowledge, His Holy Spirit, and our complete surrender to Him that God observes. Ultimately He plans to give all He has to His children who have developed in character and been sanctified - and now merit the position of a king or a priest (Rev. 5:10).
The present condition of the world and all of its financial woes, have been caused by greed and a loss of the sense of responsibility. It continues to be a growing problem because suddenly there are huge (fat) hands reaching out for aid and assistance. The same hands that caused the problem in the first place, it seems. Bonus payments are still being given to the same gurus who could not see the debacle coming, but who will not take the blame, let alone be willing to sacrifice to make the needed corrections. Generations to come have been billed and mortgaged to bail out the errors and greed of this generation. On top of that, it seems, there is no Abraham Lincoln in sight!
Nothing is new here. When the fathers get into a mess, the teeth of the children are set on edge (Jer. 31:29). Added to that, the children are not learning meritocracy - they are being taught by example that mediocrity and sloth and self-indulgence are worthy of reward. The book of Ecclesiastes explains that there is nothing new under the sun - this scene has happened in slightly different places and in slightly different ways, because greed and ungodliness abound (Eccl. 1:9-11). It explains that generations to come do not remember the lessons learned by those that went before. It does not seem to take much time for the hard lessons to be forgotten.
On a grander scale - eternal life and rewards from God are offered and given for our willingness to overcome our flaws and faults, and for control over greed which God says is idolatry and thus sin (Col. 3:5) and developing holy righteous character (Rev. 3:12). God is not about to reward sloth. He demands a complete change of the inner man which requires effort and dedication (2 Cor. 4:16). We must be clear in understanding that we are definitely not talking about earning our own salvation through works. Forgiveness and reconciliation come only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:18). But we are to walk in newness of life in complete obedience to God (Rom. 6:4,13-15). We are entrusted with the precious blood of Christ to live a life striving against sin and fighting the good fight against Satan and all that is evil and ungodly (2 Tim. 4:7). God is working to perfect His children, and to outfit them for every good work (Rom. 3:17).
Our world will not recover by rewarding lack of effort and lack of character. It will only be possible if people are willing to focus on what is right and good. The whole world will need to make this complete paradigm shift in thinking. The speeches of Abraham Lincoln carried ideals within them and enough people caught the picture during the horrific bloodbath of the Civil War, that the nation was able to recover and grow into greatness. Those ideals are buried in history now and a new generation has developed what was thought to be a better way. There is no better way - only the one right and good way defined by Almighty God. But, we are not about to learn that lesson easily. Now a large percentage of people in this world have the belief that the world owes them a living and they are out to collect. As long as those attitudes prevail, this world does not stand a chance. Our nations could have lived by and taught the ideals of God. For a while America did just that. Honesty in business and fair dealing brought prosperity to all. In times of trouble it was one for all and all for one. Instead we have become the symbol of everything that is wrong, and yet nations are clamoring to get their share. America, who has led the world in decency and respect for people, is riddled with crime, drugs, immorality and all that is destructive to the nation. Our churches are empty and those with occupants often get a watered down message of how to live.
God will correct the problem. Jesus Christ is about to come to the rescue. Not with handouts or piles of printed cash - but with the demand for a change of character and a dedication to do what is noble, right and good. We will learn to love God with all of our heart, soul and mind and our neighbor as ourselves - or we will die. Each person has the power to choose. God's way is much more akin to meritocracy than anything else. He rewards the work of one's hands (I Cor. 3:8) and encourages us to work out our own salvation (Phil.2 :12). He demands that we struggle to overcome our faults (Rev. 21:7). Let us choose life - let us choose God.