Freedom Cannot Exist Without Righteousness


Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
(Psalm 139:7)

I love this country but I’m not so fond of the way things are going these days. There has been very little about our nation that could be described as righteous for quite some time. Who’s to blame for the precipitous fall from what was once the shining “city of a hill” that we once were? Our leaders, from the local councils all the way to the president are elected by the people. That means the American people, who’ve elected these corrupt politicians, are to blame. Some call that the deep state, or swamp. It’s time to drain that swamp.
Am I being too harsh on a people who probably don’t know how corrupt the people they are electing are? NO, I AM NOT! The vast majority of people in this country have no idea what righteousness is. In fact, they revel in their unrighteousness and elect the leaders who support and encourage their lifestyles. We were once the admiration of the world but now we are a disgrace. Yes, we can live any way we seemingly choose but our freedoms come with the responsibility to be a moral society. If free people are to successfully govern themselves, they must rely on the Bible for their moral compass. Once morality disappears, freedom is soon to follow.
The farther we fall, the harder it will be to return to any semblance of righteousness. Many of the voters in this country have no regard for or understanding of the history of this county. They are only concerned for themselves, so they’ll continue to elect politicians who give them what they want. Today, we are a shadow of our former glory. We are mocked and ridiculed. Very soon, if things don’t change with the haughtiness of the people of this country, this nation will join the multitude of others on the ash heap of history.
A president from our recent past, John F Kennedy, once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” That was the attitude of most Americans of that day. They all struggled to make this nation great. Was this country perfect? No, no country is perfect, but we were the example that many other countries aspired to. It’s not too late for us, it doesn’t have to be this way. The journey back may seem arduous, but we must try. Our only hope is to turn back to God and start electing godly men and women to lead us.




Our Father in heaven, your name is exalted above all other names, because you alone are righteous and worthy. We look to you through Jesus for our example of how to be righteous, both as a nation and as individuals. Lord, our nation began its journey to greatness looking to follow you down a path of righteousness. Even though we were not perfect, or even close, you blessed us with the desire to be better tomorrow than we were today. At times it was a painful journey, especially when our nation fought a brutal civil war to decide if righteousness was worth the blood being spilled for freedom. We didn’t become the strongest nation in the world by being a nation without a strong moral compass. But, Lord, that compass has somehow been removed from our view. Our society doesn’t know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and lies. Turn us back, Lord God. Turn us back to seeking your face. Give us back that desire to be better tomorrow than we were today. Help us to look to you as the God of our nation again. In Jesus name. Amen!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Devotional for May 12 - May 18

Image
To all my readers: I am changing this blog to a weekly format. I am being forced to do it this way because this blog site is saying my blog is too short to continue publishing. I purposely try to keep it short so you will have time to read it every day. I hope you will understand and keep reading. Thank you, Brad Hopkins May 12 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) Meditation Before I was saved, I worked in a very competitive environment. Many of my co-workers were very jealous of the accomplishments of others. I have to confess; I too would get that green-eyed feeling if I didn’t get promoted when I thought I deserved it. Outwardly, I showed a happy face. I would congratulate the person who was recognized or promoted, but inwardly I was terribly envious. I received as many promotions as most in my career field, but I couldn’t rejoice for others because of jealousy and covetousness. I didn’t know how to deal with grief s...
Read more

Preach the Word

Image
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2) Meditation I used to think it was only the pastors job to preach the Word of God. I’m not a preacher, so it didn’t occur to me to share the gospel. However, this verse does not say, “Preachers, preach the word.” Whether you realize it or not, we are all ministers of the gospel. We have been charged with the awesome task of telling everyone about Jesus and why he went to the cross. When Jesus gave the “Great Commission,” to make disciples of all nations; he wasn’t just talking to his own disciples. He was speaking to every one of us. There is no other mission or calling more important than that for us. Even if we go to church every Sunday, but do nothing else, we’re not in the game; we’re just spectators. Jesus doesn’t want fans, he wants followers. Whether we’re in church or somewhere else, we’re responsible t...
Read more

Think About Heavenly Things

Image
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) Why have I spent so much time filling my mind with garbage? I’ve read unclean jokes or off-color cartoons and shared them on social media. I used to go to movies or watch things on television that are detestable to the Lord and thought nothing of it. My baser instincts are to gravitate toward the impure offerings of our entertainment industry. How can I, as a Christian, live a righteous life if I’m continuously feeding on the poisonous filth of this world? Instead, I should look for and promote the things that are wholesome and good. My money and time have power if I, as Christians, refuse to support the immorality that Hollywood puts out. If my ticket money, along with other Christians, is used to support good family entertainment, the fat cats in ...
Read more