I recently heard someone say that they believed God has gotten fed up with the U.S., and has looked to other areas to bless them with spiritual increase. Another said that the scripture, when talking of the end (Revelation), never mentions a nation that could be equated to the U.S. but does mention Israel.
I completely understand why they made these statements. Look at this country and how our culture has turned away from God and, in some ways, has spit at Him. We have experienced a major decline in the Christian faiths overall, and an increase in alternative life paths. Religions that worship other gods and objects, and cults have sprawled up like wild fire. Our many advances and power have caused our culture to become a haven of greed, lust, et cetera. But what society doesn't have that in one form or another?
Christianity (and Christians themselves) is under severe attack more and more. It's quite interesting to me that some groups tote inclusions and diversity, but spit fire in the direction of Christians and Christian values. Where's the inclusion there? What happened to "do unto others...?"
While Catholic and certain Evangelical sects are growing in the U.S., it pales in comparison to the rest of the world. African nations are bringing people to Christ by the thousands. I heard that Christians in China pledged over 100,000 missionaries to minister in 51 countries worldwide. The areas they are targeting are known for persecuting Christians. Being that they are accustomed to such brutality for beliefs, they are up to the challenge to lead other to Christ and help them obtain gainful employment. Are we so bold? Is America truly doomed? I don't believe so.
I believe that God is a loving, merciful and forgiving God. I also believe that God is a just God. There are consequences to our actions and behavior. Maybe that's what we are experiencing, and not complete abandonment. There are plenty of foot soldiers working for Jesus here. I will concede, however, that many of our denominations are hurting due to recent scandals, in-fighting and other issues. I believe our main problem is that we stopped believing in God's power and starting thinking that it was ours.
We stopped believing that His way is the only way. I noticed it as a young girl, when I started noticing churches allowing the world to enter and infiltrate God's house instead of the Church affecting (and infecting) the world with God's word. I noticed a decline in evangelism and outreach within the surrounding communities. What was once a 'no-no' was now acceptable within the church walls.
Understand that I was raised in an Episcopal with very traditional/Anglo-Catholic orthodoxy and a rich history. That church was surely not immune to the pull of "worldly" things.
It's a struggle and can be discouraging to many. But, we must stay the course. Maybe what we are experiencing is not abandonment at all, but God's design of wanting us to show our power as Christians (and a Christian nation) and choose Him over all else. Maybe this mere persecution is our learning opportunity to respond in love and turn this country around to Christ. Maybe the major increase around the world is just them catching up. Maybe it is an opportunity for us to rejuvenate ourselves and learn from them as new Christians. It may also mean that it is time for us to get off the bench, come out of the stands and stand up for Christ.
For too long we have been silent, allowing anything to penetrate the body of Christ and take over this country. We must step out in faith and take it back. We must not get bogged down with our differences, but rather stand firm in our love of the Lord. We must not sit idly by and not speak out against what is not of God. I am no longer afraid to speak lovingly, yet firmly, when I see something that needs to be addressed. Christians cannot continue to be silent at the expense of our souls. Showing love means also correcting those who need it and not being afraid to do so.
What do you think? Is our nation doomed? Has God given up on us? Share your thoughts.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
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Excellent. I do not think God has given up on America. I think you hit the nail on the head, we have stopped believing in the power of God and started relying on our own strength. God doesn't get the glory anymore. Despite the poor economy, the erosion of family values and numerous scandals in our churches, America is greatly blessed...but the true greatness of this country won't/can't be revealed until are abiding by His will. I think as a nation we have become nominal Christians only and you are right, it's time to get off the bench and stand up for the Lord.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response, Dacia. I appreciate your sentiment. America is truly blessed. I think about the countries I have visited and how our poverty would be a step up for many people. The holidays bring about those thoughts for me as I see all the shopping bags we get full of 'stuff' for our friends and families. While we rush for the sales, we stay on the sidelines when it comes to glorifying Jesus. I speak to myself as much as to others because we have all been guilty one time, or another.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Thanksgiving, if I don't speak with you before then. God bless you and your family.