We Have Drifted From God

I have spent a great deal of time this past month thinking of how I as one person, can make a difference with all the things that are happening with our country, our government, our churches, our school systems and our work places, etc….That I do not agree with. What an overwhelming thing to think about, when you really start to identify just some of the issues we are facing as American Christians.

One thing is for certain, at least in my mind, we have drifted so far away from the Christian principals that our founding fathers used and relied on when they established this country that it has eroded away the moral glue that holds us together. We have allowed the mere mention of God’s name to be taken out of our governmental places, our schools, our work places and now I understand we will be producing a U.S. coin that will not have “In God We Trust” on it.

Why have we decided that God no longer deserves a place in our country? There was a time when our political leaders, judges, teachers, business owners, etc, came to God first with the issues and problems of the day instead of last. I mean think about it the only time we seem to call on God’s name is when there is a catastrophe at hand in this country like 9-11 or natural disasters that destroy homes and take lives. We ask the question where is God during all this or why did God allow these things to happen when we should be asking why have we turned our backs on Him. Why have we pushed Him out of every place we possibly can as a nation. I guess we think we don’t need Him anymore. I wonder how He feels about that? I think I know; how about you.

What can a person do to help stem the tide of moral breakdown in our country today? Here are some things that you and I can do. I hope you will get involved at whatever level you see fit.

It all begins, of course, by caring and being concerned, and having the desire to make a difference. Without care, without concern, without any desire to make a difference for God, and good with the one life you have been given, nothing can be accomplished. So, Christian activism begins with concern.

Next, get informed. Too many of us get our perspective, our news, from those who are thrilled when traditional conservative values are removed from our way of life. Read the Bible, learn the Scriptures and apply them to the situation. Subscribe to magazines which convey the Biblical perspective. Listen to Christian radio. Watch Christian television. Recognize that those in the secular news often have a different worldview, a different agenda, and you are the one they are trying to convince.

Spend some time praying, lifting up the condition of our country to a holy and righteous God. Ask for His guidance. Ask for His strength.

Find a good, Bible-believing church where the Word is taught and caught, where the issues are addressed and application of the Word is made a part of everyday life. I’m old enough to remember when preachers talked about political issues from the pulpit, issues that would affect the moral core of our country, without fear of losing their tax-exempt status.

Ask your pastor to speak to the issues from the pulpit, giving Biblical guidance. Encourage members to do more than simply attend the worship service. Get your Sunday school class to study the issues and act on them.

Work with other individuals and churches and groups in your local community on special projects. Cooperation is needed. It is essential. While churches may not be able to agree on some theological points, surely they can agree and work together in addressing some of the basic moral issues.

Help distribute literature. Organize a social action group in your church. Write well-crafted letters to the editor. Call in to talk shows which are addressing social issues.

Finally, watch where your money goes. Is the financial support you give your local church being used in a manner beneficial to Christian values? It is appalling that so very few Christians know where their money goes, what causes their money supports. We should be able to trust those we support, and in like manner they should be completely honest about how our gifts are being used.

Jesus spoke more about money than He did any other single subject. So it is a matter of utmost importance, this responsibility of being good stewards with God’s possessions. Never feel guilty about inquiring how your gifts are being used.

Don’t leave politics to politicians. Know the candidates. Work for the election of those who share your values. Give them financial support. Run for office. Sometimes a member of the local school board can do more good in the community than a U.S. Senator.

We are witnessing the disintegration of two thousand years of Western Civilization. It is time – past time – for Christians to become involved. Do it for the sake of our children. I for one am tired of seeing our Lord and Savior being pushed out of our country. Our constitution gives us the right of freedom of religion not freedom from religion. We can make a difference! The difference has to start within our selves, which will spread to our families, communities, state and country. We can make a difference; we just have to want it bad enough.