Setting aside the different views regarding economic policy, and questions regarding the proper response to terrorism, immigration and climate change — it is obvious to those who hold Christian values that our nation has lost its way. The wise man wrote, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Politically, for a while now our nation has adopted a two party system for governance. And, for a while now, both parties have advocated policies and practices that are characterized by greed, immorality and inhumanity. This is seen in party platforms, and more egregiously in the personal lives, practices and positions of our national leaders. Even those who give lip service to Christian values are quick to compromise those values when it suits them.
For several years I have been under the conviction that no one who holds fast to Christian values can be elected to our nation’s highest office. But, I think it wrong to place the blame for our nation’s woes solely upon our national leaders. As Jehovah proclaimed to corrupt Judah through the prophet Jeremiah, “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so” (Jeremiah 5:31). There are certainly agents of wickedness among us. We can complain about immorality among our leaders, about a biased and agenda driven media, and about corporate greed. But, the primary problem with the United States of America is that, as a people, we are rebellious and stiff-necked in our response to God and His will for mankind.
I have in the last few weeks read words from Christians, many of them young, who express despair at the direction our nation has gone. They have rightly pointed out the folly of placing too much trust in secular leaders. One quoted Psalm 146:3, “Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.” Christians should always place their trust in God, “The Lord shall reign forever — Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 146:10).
So, what should be the Christian’s response to the worsening wickedness of our corrupt nation? Well, I’m not going to tell you which candidate to vote for in the Presidential election. I am as much at a loss about such things as anyone. However, as Christians we can and must…
- Pray! – “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Preach! – “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).
- Mourn! – “Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:9-10).
Judgment will come unless the land repents. If or when that day comes, we pray the righteous will be spared calamity. If not, we rejoice in our heavenly citizenship! “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (1 John 2:28).
