Righteousness Exalts

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

(Proverbs 14:34)

Meditation

The people of America have forgotten, or more likely are not being taught, that we were founded as a nation on Judeo-Christian principles and values. The United States was never a perfect nation, either politically or spiritually. We have never been God’s chosen nation, but he has blessed us for our good and disciplined us for our sins. Of course, not every American was righteous and God-fearing, but a sizable number were. We’ve had some very good and righteous leaders, but we’ve also had some very wicked ones as well. I’m not just talking about the presidents, I’m talking about every kind of leader in this country. We tend to gloss over the sinful actions of some in the name of nationalism.

As I said, we’ve never been perfect, but about 60 years ago the United States began to seriously lose its way. The leadership of this nation began sending our young men and women into wars that solved nothing. At the same time, our personal lifestyles became more and more promiscuous with the notion of “free love.” Since love is NOT free, that led to unplanned and unwanted pregnancies, so life became cheap to us. One hundred times more babies have been sacrificed on the alter of “choice” than American soldiers that died in all the wars we have fought in. Approximately 65 million babies have been killed in the womb compared to 650 thousand American soldiers killed in war.

Many in this nation who say they are Christians today, struggle with simply answering the question, what is right or wrong. There are so-called ministers of the gospel, who are defending abortion rights or gay marriage. Not because of what the Bible says about these issues, but because of what society says. If we point out those behaviors as sinful, we’re labeled misogynistic or homophobic. Evil is being called good and good is being called evil! Even if this is prophesied in the Bible for the Last Days, it doesn’t mean we shouldn't be praying for the people of this nation, including those that lead us!

We know there are people in leadership positions in our government, who have no regard for the Lord nor do they seek his counsel. Every level of government in America is rampant with evil men and women. Will we ever see our sin-filled leaders on their knees in submission to the Lord? We serve an awesome and powerful God and he can accomplish great and mighty things if we will only pray. The United States may no longer be a “city on a hill” as we once were. As Americans, we must turn from our wickedness and pray that the Lord restores us but his will be done! Maranatha!

Prayer Time

Oh God, you are righteous beyond our ability to comprehend. In you, there is no darkness or deceit. You alone are worthy of our praise and adoration. Thank you for your bountiful and dependable love which, you give without limit or precondition. Through Jesus, we can come to you in humble confession and receive your forgiveness. Thank you, Lord, for your compassion and mercy without which, we would still be hopelessly lost in our sins. Thank you for washing us clean in baptism and help us to hold tight to your commandments. Keep us from any impure thoughts and actions that are unworthy of you. We only want to do what is pleasing in your sight, but unlike you, we are fallible and easily slip into sinful behavior. When we do, Father, bring us to our knees to seek your mercy and grace. The righteousness we have in Christ is the only reason we will be exalted. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!