Once again, Washington has delayed what should be a critical conversation about the direction of our government. This time, the House passed a bipartisan spending measure to prevent an immediate government shutdown, pushing the more significant debate on spending until December. While this action may avert short-term chaos, it fails to address the deeper issues at hand—runaway government spending, national debt, and a lack of fiscal responsibility.

This decision highlights the ongoing problem of political leaders choosing convenience over conviction. The bill, passed with the help of a Democratic majority and supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson, leaves federal agencies with static budgets until December 20, allowing FEMA’s disaster relief fund and other necessary services to limp along. While no one desires the immediate fallout of a government shutdown, this “kicking the can down the road” approach represents a failure to prioritize responsible governance.

Government Spending and Biblical Stewardship

For Christians who value stewardship as a biblical principle, this continuing pattern of procrastination raises concerns. The Bible teaches that we are called to be wise stewards of our resources (Luke 16:10-12), and yet, our nation’s leaders continually defer the responsibility of managing federal finances. Instead of making difficult choices to curb wasteful spending or address the burgeoning national debt, Congress has, once again, opted for a temporary fix.

The national debt is not just a fiscal issue—it is a moral one. Our children and grandchildren will bear the burden of this irresponsibility. Proverbs 13:22 reminds us that “a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children.” Yet, at the current rate of spending, we are doing the opposite. We are leaving future generations a legacy of debt, dysfunction, and government overreach.

The Moral Cost of Dependency on Government

Another critical concern is the growing size of the federal government and its influence over American life. By continuing to rely on temporary spending patches and delaying fiscal reform, Congress perpetuates a system where citizens become increasingly dependent on government aid, agencies, and bureaucracies. Instead of fostering a spirit of self-reliance and community support, the federal government becomes the default solution.

Scripture calls us to care for the needy and those affected by disasters, but it also emphasizes the role of the Church and local communities in addressing these needs (Galatians 6:2, James 1:27). We should be wary of creating an ever-expanding government that erodes personal responsibility and local action.

The Need for Courageous Leadership

One of the most disappointing aspects of this recent spending patch is the lack of courage it demonstrates from our political leaders. Speaker Mike Johnson, a conservative Republican, found himself relying heavily on Democrats to pass this measure. While compromise is sometimes necessary, there is a fine line between bipartisan cooperation and surrendering core principles. Many conservatives rightly wonder why more of our elected representatives are not pushing harder for genuine reform—reform that reduces waste, protects taxpayers, and reins in the federal bureaucracy.

Our leaders must be willing to make hard decisions, especially when it comes to spending. The continuing resolution passed by the House does not address the real issues of bloated budgets, reckless spending, and government inefficiency. Instead, it buys Congress time—80 days to be exact—before they must once again face the inevitable showdown over a trillion-dollar-plus spending package.

Faith in Politics: What Should We Do?

As Christians, we must stay engaged in the political process, advocating for policies that align with biblical principles of stewardship, responsibility, and care for the vulnerable. This includes holding our elected officials accountable to make the hard choices necessary to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future. We must also recognize that no government program or politician will provide the ultimate solutions to our nation’s problems. Our hope rests not in Washington but in Christ.

In the meantime, we should pray for our leaders—that they would be wise, courageous, and committed to serving the American people with integrity and humility (1 Timothy 2:1-2). At the same time, we must continue to speak out on issues of fiscal responsibility, calling for a government that is smaller, more efficient, and less intrusive in our daily lives.

In conclusion, while the House’s passage of a bipartisan spending patch may prevent a government shutdown for now, it is only a temporary fix. The true battle over government spending is far from over, and it will resurface in December. Let us hope and pray that, by then, our leaders will be ready to address the deeper problems with courage and conviction, honoring both the principles of good governance and the biblical call to stewardship.