The IM Writers Association. We aim to create a community of writers who share a common faith and passion for writing that advances the Life of Jesus Christ. Consider assisting us with our costs - a safe donor link is available HERE. #85 Identity Politics | PRIVATE PROPERTYDr. Stephen Phinney: People have the right to privacy in their homes and personal property. Law enforcement must have a warrant based on probable cause to conduct searches or seizures.
GUARDING THE GATES OF LIBERTYListen to the podcast version: According to Scripture, the sanctity of private property is affirmed as a Scriptural principle, not merely a governmental convention.The government, as a minister of God for good (Romans 13:4), is obligated to uphold justice by respecting the boundaries of ownership established by God Himself. These commandments reveal that God recognizes and protects individual ownership. To steal or covet is to violate the moral order He has instituted. Furthermore, in 1 Kings 21, the judgment against King Ahab for seizing Naboth’s vineyard illustrates God’s condemnation of state-sanctioned property theft. “The Lord said, ‘Have you murdered and also taken possession?’” — 1 Kings 21:19 In the New Testament, Paul affirms the role of governing authorities as servants of God (Romans 13), yet their legitimacy is contingent upon executing justice, not violating it. When the state disregards property rights, it rebels against the moral law and invites God’s judgment. Thus, any government that confiscates, seizes, or undermines private property without due process and just cause stands in opposition to God’s revealed will. Respecting property is not only a civic duty—it is a spiritual mandate. CLASSIC CASEIn August 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s private estate in Palm Beach, Florida, as part of a federal investigation into the alleged unlawful retention of classified documents. The search followed months of negotiation between Trump and the National Archives, which had sought the return of presidential records. Agents ultimately seized over 300 classified documents, including materials related to national defense, nuclear capabilities, and foreign vulnerabilities—many of which were allegedly stored in unsecured locations. The investigation led to multiple indictments under the Espionage Act and other statutes, raising serious questions about the handling of sensitive government information after Trump’s presidency. The case became a flashpoint drama in national debate over executive privilege, presidential accountability, and the limits of government authority. Trump and his legal team argued that he had declassified the documents, while prosecutors maintained that the materials posed risks to national security. In 2025, a federal appeals court dismissed the case against Trump’s co-defendants, citing procedural issues with the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith. The Mar-a-Lago saga remains one of the most consequential legal battles involving a former U.S. president, with implications for both constitutional law and public trust in the rule of law. From a biblical perspective, this case underscores the principle that stewardship demands accountability of citizens being protected by Amendment Four.Scripture teaches that those in authority are “God’s servants for your good” (Romans 13:4), yet they are held to a higher standard of integrity. Just as kings in Israel were judged for misusing their power—such as Ahab’s unlawful seizure of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21)—modern leaders are likewise accountable for how they handle what has been entrusted to them. The storing of classified documents in unsecured locations reflects a failure of stewardship on Mr. Trump's part, and the ensuing legal scrutiny is a reminder that no one is above the law, not even those in the highest office. However, was there a breach in legal government overreach? From a biblical standpoint, this shift raises both affirmation and caution. Scripture affirms the role of governing authorities as “ministers of God” (Romans 13:4), tasked with executing justice and protecting the public good. When the government forces accountability without respecting the Fourth Amendment—especially regarding unreasonable searches and seizures—it reflects the principle of unrighteous oversight by stretching beyond governing laws established by our forefathers. The Book of Proverbs warns against partiality and abuse of power: “It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.” — Proverbs 18:5 As this practice becomes more regular, believers must discern whether such actions are rooted in impartial justice or political expediency. The biblical model of governance demands that all stewardship—whether of documents, property, or authority—be handled with integrity, transparency, and reverence for truth. The Mar-a-Lago case and its ripple effects serve as a modern reminder that earthly power must always be subject to Constitutional and Biblical accountability. “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.”— Proverbs 11:1 This verse reminds us that justice must be impartial and measured. Whether in government or ministry, the handling of sensitive information, property, or authority must reflect God’s standards of righteousness. The Mar-a-Lago case, regardless of political affiliation, serves as a modern parable on the dangers of neglecting stewardship of the Constitution and the necessity of transparent governance. Since the unprecedented raid on Mar-a-Lago, we have witnessed a troubling pattern: the federal government increasingly overstepping its permitted powers by raiding homes, businesses, and even places of worship under the banner of enforcement. What was once considered an extraordinary measure reserved for high-level national security threats has now become a recurring tactic—executed with tactical gear, unmarked vehicles, and minimal transparency. From immigration sweeps in Los Angeles to fraud investigations in Minnesota, the line between lawful oversight and intrusive overreach grows thinner by the day. As believers, we must view this through the lens of Scripture. God’s Word affirms the sanctity of private property and the importance of just governance: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees.” — Isaiah 10:1 “You shall not steal.” — Exodus 20:15 When government authority begins to resemble coercion rather than stewardship, it violates both constitutional principles and biblical mandates. We are called to honor governing authorities (Romans 13), but we are also commanded to stand against injustice and defend the oppressed, even if it is a President. The Church must remain vigilant, discerning the difference between lawful justice and political theater, lest we become complicit in the erosion of liberty. Since Mr. Trump’s raid, federal authorities have increasingly used aggressive tactics—raiding homes, businesses, and churches—raising concerns about Constitutional and Biblical boundaries. What was once rare is now routine, often lacking transparency and due process.So, according to our Constitution, what would have been the proper way to handle the Mar-a-Lago case? The answer is too simple: probable cause, search warrant, knock-and-announce rule, execution of the warrant, documentation of proof, then seizure of plain sight evidence. Raiding his home, or any home, is what breached the Constitutional guidelines. Scripture affirms the sanctity of private property and condemns unjust governance (Isaiah 10:1, Exodus 20:15). While believers are called to respect authority (Romans 13), we must also oppose injustice and discern when enforcement crosses into coercion. The Church must stay vigilant and uphold both liberty and righteousness. Third Amendment – Quartering of Soldiers “No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.” This protects citizens from being forced to house soldiers during peacetime without their consent. Fourth Amendment – Protection from Unreasonable Searches and Seizures “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” This ensures privacy and requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant based on probable cause. Fifth Amendment – Rights in Criminal Case “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury... nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb... nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself... nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” This amendment provides protections against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process and fair compensation for property taken by the government. Check out our YouTube channel:
Dr. Stephen Phinney is a theologian, author, and speaker with a passion for helping individuals discover their true identity in Christ. His extensive knowledge and compassionate demeanor make him a guiding light for those seeking to understand the depths of spiritual transformation.Judge Mark T. Boonstra & Dr. Phinney are co-writers of the Identity Politics series. Their mission is to reestablish the Founding Fathers’ faith and commitment to building one nation under God.
IM Writers Association is a collective group of Christian writers who support the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ while sustaining an eschatological view of the Holy Scriptures of God.
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