Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Consequences of Forgetting God
How did America become the most solvent, most free, most generous nation on the planet? And why is that changing? Until more recent politically correct eras, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind as to who was behind America’s success – God blessed America to the extent that she employed His principles. If God was behind our success, then why do His blessing seem to wane?
· Sing about His blessings
· Etch quotes about God on their government buildings
· Include the Bible in their children’s education
· Take time each week to attend corporate worship
· Declare a national day of prayer
· Take time to begin school days and congressional sessions with prayer
An objective look at history reveals that America used to unashamedly:
· Include God in their pledges and oaths· Sing about His blessings
· Etch quotes about God on their government buildings
· Include the Bible in their children’s education
· Take time each week to attend corporate worship
· Declare a national day of prayer
· Take time to begin school days and congressional sessions with prayer
Unfortunately, it appears that America has forgotten God. In doing so we have inspired our citizens to “forget” those things that accompany a God-awareness, such as: decency, morality, temperance, respect and gratefulness. Many have missed the connection, because there is a delayed reaction between abandoning God and the fruit of that mistake. This is not unlike the delayed reaction between overspending and eventually becoming bankrupt. At first it seems like you’re getting away with it, then it must be propped up, but eventually it falls apart. Like a homeowner that ignores termites, an employee who ignores pink slips, or a consumer who ignores mounting credit card debt, or a parent that ignores the rift between them and their children – life has a way of catching up.
America’s social and economic woes have been a long time coming. Believers have been waving red flags for decades. This is not about nationalism or feelings of superiority over other countries; this is about being wise enough to live life by the principles God laid out for us. I would that the whole world would obey God and have abundant life. I pray for success in every nation. I pray that all men, everywhere, would discover the benefits of remembering God.
One of the oldest books in the world said it like this: “For we were born but yesterday and know so little; our days here on earth are as transient as shadows. But the wisdom of the past will teach you. The experience of others will speak to you, reminding you that those who forget God have no hope. They are like rushes without any mire to grow in; or grass without water to keep it alive. Suddenly it begins to wither, even before it is cut. A man without God is trusting in a spider's web. Everything he counts on will collapse. If he counts on his home for security, it won't last. At dawn he seems so strong and virile, like a green plant; his branches spread across the garden. His roots are in the stream, down among the stones. But when he disappears, he isn't even missed! That is all he can look forward to! And others spring up from the earth to replace him! But look! God will not cast away a good man, nor prosper evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” (Job 8:9-19 TLB)
The solution is simple – remember God. Recognize that He is King of kings and Lord of Lords. Obey the rules that He gave us; rules that were designed to make us succeed as individual, as families and as nations. There are wonderful consequences for those who remember God.
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
