The Bible insists that there is a connection between the moral vigor of a nation and its survivability. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:120). “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a people’s ruin” (Proverbs 14:34/Godspeed.),

The founders of our nation saw the need for God to be at the heart of our national existence. The Declaration of Independence contains a solemn appeal “to the Supreme judge of the world….” and within it Thomas Jefferson claimed “unalienable rights” as an endowment from the Creator. The Continental Congress appropriated $300.000 for Bibles, during our war for national existence, because delegates believed that no Bible-reading people could be enslaved!

At the Constitutional Convention, Franklin proposed that the sessions begin with prayer, saying, “I have lived a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God works in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground unseen by Him, is it possible that an empire could arise without His aid?”

The concept of America as a “nation under God” is deeply embedded in the fabric of our national life. The founding fathers were convinced that democracy could not exist in a nonreligious society — John Adams wrote “Our constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for a government of any other.”

We live at a time when our nation is rapidly becoming secularized. Powerful forces have conspired to drive religion from our schools, our civic institutions, and our national life. The moral and spiritual foundations laid by the founding fathers have fallen into ruin. “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

Will God continue to bless America? God will bless Americans if Americans honor God! A poem asks a question, “Who serves his country best?” Several possibilities are considered” The General, mighty in war….? The Statesman who makes its laws….? The Poet who celebrates the nation in song….? The answer: None of these!

He serves his country best

Who lives pure life, and doth righteous deed;

Who walks straight path, however others stray

And leaves his sons as a last bequest

A stainless record which all men may read . . .

The course of human events can be altered when enough people turn back to God!

 ~~ Bobby Dockery, Searcy, Ark. (GOSPEL TRACTS INTERNATIONAL)