By Rev. Cherrie Andres
July 02, 2009 06:49 pm
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We live in one of the greatest nations on earth. We as Americans are a blessed people. However, we must ask ourselves, “From whom do these blessings come?” and “Will they always be here?”
God is the source of the blessings because this nation was founded upon godly principles by god-fearing men and women, many of whom had strong personal relationships with Christ. If we stray from these foundational truths, can we expect God to continue to bless this nation? Sadly, we are already seeing the obvious answer to this question by observing the economic and social ills of Americans today.
Is there hope for America? I believe there is, but only if we Christians do our part to speak the truth and follow the admonition of II Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
America is certainly in need of healing. Sin and wickedness are evident everywhere. The lines between right and wrong is blurred, and Christians are labeled as “intolerant” when they point out these violations of God’s laws. Our Founding Fathers knew the importance of following God’s commands. George Washington proclaimed, “Let not anyone consider a person an American patriot who separates the Bible and patriotism.” I am sure Washington’s words would be declared “unconstitutional” by today’s secular standards.
However, George Washington’s faith and that of the other early patriots is what caused God to help this nation at its beginning and has sustained it throughout its history. Daniel Webster’s words in an 1852 speech are prophetic when we see what is happening in America today. He said, “If we and our posterity shall be true to the Christian religion, if we and they shall live always in the fear of God and shall respect His commandments ... we may have the highest hopes of the future fortunes of our country. Our country will go on prospering.” Later in the speech he declared, “But, if we and our posterity reject religious instruction and authority, violate the rules of eternal justice, trifle with the injunctions of morality, and recklessly destroy the political constitution, which holds us together, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us, that shall bury all our glory in profound obscurity.”
Webster’s words are a chilling indictment on the plight of America as the consequences of sin take their toll. We reap what we sow. Legalizing abortion, condoning sex outside of marriage, young or old, glorifying the homosexual lifestyle, redefining marriage to include same-sex couples, forbidding prayer and Bible reading in our public schools, and making the public display of the Ten Commandments a crime are just a few examples of how far we have strayed from our godly roots. Christians are called to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” If the 21st century Church does not take a stand against these perversions, it is not doing its job as the salt. The Bible says, “If the salt loses its saltiness, it is good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden underfoot.” We must let our voices be heard before it is too late.
The Rev. John Hagee recently called the battle being fought today for the soul of America “the second American Revolution.” He said, “There will be a winner and a loser in this battle. The prize to the winner is our children. Will they live in an America where the homosexual agenda drives society or will they live in a nation where the Word of God is still read and revered?”
This Fourth of July let us rediscover the true meaning of the holiday. As we celebrate with our family and friends, let us remember that America was founded as a Christian nation. God is still in control. He wants to bless His children. We have nothing to fear if we are trusting in Him and living according to His Word, but everything to fear if we are not. Let us declare to the entire world, “May God bless America as America honors God.”
Rev. Cherrie Andres is associate pastor of Hickory United Methodist Church, Hermitage. She formerly was pastor of New Virginia United Methodist Church, Hermitage.
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