We have heard it over and over, but have we heard it? “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). If we have heard it, do we believe it?
Historians tend to confirm the assessment of General Douglas MacArthur, “History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline. There has either been a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral laps, or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster.”
Sin is a nation’s shame, and that applies to us. Pick up today’s paper and read all about it: lying, business dishonesty, pleasure-seeking, murder, rape, fraud, drunkenness, abortion, drug addiction, robbery, lust, selfishness, greed, homosexuality, pornography, gambling, and such like. These things cannot be ignored. As Peter Marshall once said, “By our tolerance of some wrongs, we have come close to being intolerant of the right.” Marshall also declared that we desperately need to be bold enough to confront the face of evil and wrong, “even when it bears our own image.” It’s a law. “Sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind!”
Mark it down. Our respect, or disrespect, for the laws of God will determine the future of the United States of America.
George Washington, in his Farewell Address spoke rightly when he said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are an indispensable support. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness — these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.” He went on to say, “both reason and experience forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”
I can strengthen this nation, and so can you. How? By keeping God’s commandments and doing His will. – John Gipson, Windsong church of Christ
Highland Lakes church of Christ 