In the United States, a social and governmental movement, derisively termed nannyism, marks a significant divide between political parties. Democrats often promote this cradle-to-the-grave social care, securing long tenures in office, while Republicans generally oppose it, though some accept a measure of it. Nannyism contributes to a decline in self-reliance and personal responsibility as it becomes more prevalent, eroding the pioneering spirit of a nation built by self-motivated individuals. Today, many seem frozen, waiting for government intervention, fostering a dependency known as a welfare mentality, where people work the system to remain perpetually on the dole, refusing to make their own way through work. This trend of decreasing self-reliance and increasing irresponsibility gains speed as the return of Jesus Christ nears, reflecting a human nature problem tied to regulation and control of the populace. Each instance of regulation, from licensing drivers to inspecting vehicles and beyond, sees a small bit of liberty and responsibility ceded to the state, which establishes numerous bureaus and enacts thousands of laws controlling nearly every aspect of life at a cost of billions in tax dollars. Public irresponsibility manifests in littered roadways and a disregard for personal accountability, with the expectation that the government will handle the consequences. True responsibility, a virtue of caring for God's opinion, others' well-being, beauty, cleanliness, peace, order, and health, should begin and largely end with the self, reducing the need for extensive state-issued laws.

In the world, the tendency for governments to assume greater power and responsibility as people relinquish their liberty for care is known as a Nanny State. This issue of Nannyism also affects the church, where it reflects behavior akin to those who do not know God, as Jesus Christ highlighted in Luke 22:24-26. The problem is not solely with those in authority; the actions of the people often invite overreach by the government, taking on responsibilities that should be theirs. When people refuse to work and provide for themselves, they encourage the government to expand its role, as seen in Thessalonica where Paul reminded the brethren that if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat (II Thessalonians 3:10). Similarly, Paul wrote to Timothy that failing to provide for one's own household is to deny the faith and be worse than an unbeliever (I Timothy 5:8). The solution to the Nanny State lies in self-government, where individuals exercise self-control. Without this, a controlling government becomes necessary to maintain order. In the church, God's Spirit enables self-governance, fostering liberty where it is present (II Corinthians 3:17), and its fruit includes self-control (Galatians 5:23). Where the Holy Spirit works, both leaders and people govern themselves, eliminating the need for heavy-handed external enforcement. Leaders serve, people work and grow, and liberty flourishes as internal controls develop over time through personal experience with God. Without true internal controls, self-government fails, leading to a Nanny State, which often collapses into a Police State or foreign occupation. However, within the church, the Holy Spirit provides the means for self-control and freedom, even if external controls are imposed, as seen in the lives of Jesus and the apostles. Where the Holy Spirit operates, heavy-handed external control becomes unnecessary, aligning with God's purpose to bring many sons to glory and liberty.