Many Americans are distraught about the state of our country these days, and I’m not speaking politically. Politically, we’re a mess. But many American Christians have given up on this country because it’s so evil.
It’s ironic though, because the Bible makes it pretty clear whose responsibility it is to keep a country or a nation from being evil. The responsibility belongs to the people who believe in Christ. You can’t expect someone who doesn’t know Jesus to act like Him. You can’t expect someone who isn’t a Christian to make choices based on Scripture. God doesn’t expect nonbelievers to obey Him, so why do we?
But those of us who believe in Christ are expected to act like Him, to live our lives based on Scripture, and to obey God. That is our responsibility. So isn’t it possible that America has fallen so far because those who believe in Christ haven’t fulfilled their responsibilities?
America’s trouble isn’t based on the fact that we don’t believe anymore. It stems from the fact that American Christians have forgotten God.
The verse this morning is 2 Chronicles 7:14.
14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
This verse is part of God’s response to Solomon after Israel completed the temple where they would worship for hundreds of years. God tells him basically that He will cherish the Temple but that if Solomon’s people turn away from Him, He’ll bring oppression and conquerors to chastise them until they turn back to Him.
Christians are a fickle breed.
We say we follow God but most of the time we follow our own desires. We say we believe in Jesus but we’re too afraid to tell our friends that’s why we don’t act like them anymore. We say we read the Bible but we really spend most of our time watching television. When God directs us to do something, we fabricate reasons why we don’t have to. We say we love everyone but we really only love ourselves. We say we give sacrificially but we really only give enough to make ourselves look good.
Christians are more interested in reality television than reality itself. We hear about destruction and devastation around the world and wonder how the government is going to help. We spend hours on chat rooms and forums debating political opinion with total strangers but won’t talk to someone we love about Christ.
Come on, Christians. Wake up. America is in trouble. And the fault is ours.
No finger pointing at current or past administrations. No blaming specific laws because even if the government took prayer out of schools, there’s no law saying it was outlawed in our homes.
Is it too late for our nation? I don’t think so. At least, I hope not. As long as we’re still here, there’s still hope.
14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
My people. God’s people. Us.
Let’s get humble, guys. Let’s stop thinking that the world owes us something. Let’s go back to the God who saved us and forget about everything the world tells us should make us happy. Love God. Love people. Live your life like Christ lived His, and God will sort everything else out.
If we as Christians can do that, God will honor it. And He’ll restore this country to what it used to be.
Always Peachy 