Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.”  NKJV

Sometimes we have to put on multiple hats and delve into arenas other than strictly the spiritual.  Therefore, I feel compelled to ask the question, “Have we lost our way, as a nation and/or as individuals in America?”  It is not a trivial question to me and as I consider where we are as a nation and a people I am compelled to turn to scripture for answers.  Our text verse gives us incredible clarity regarding national righteousness or sinfulness.  I have heard many sermons declaring that America is under the judgment of God and doomed.  I won’t argue that but would suggest that as with Jonah and Nineveh if a nation or people repents God stays His judgment.  Therefore, the question is serious for us as a nation and as individuals.

In Proverbs 14:33, we read, “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known.”  As I consider the attitude reflected in this nation politically and in interpersonal relationships, I cannot overlook the evidence of evil being present in our society and government. We are a nation that was founded on biblical and moral principles and the founding fathers acknowledged the importance of God’s guidance and the necessity of following the principles of His word.  They considered those vital foundation stones for the Republic. 

I am concerned that we, as a people, may have become unmoored from our moral pillars and are drifting on the sea of life without a foundation.  I deeply appreciate and respect the concern for lives, all lives.  Many are placing the lives of various ethnicities above others and there is the demand that women’s rights are violated if we do not allow abortion on demand.  I contend that if any society places the life of one segment over that of another they have departed from and lost sight of a basic principle in both the Bible and the American Constitution.  God values LIFE and so should we!

As a Christian, a preacher, an American, and a patriot, I unashamedly take a firm stand on the side of the rights of the unborn in the womb.  Many in today’s society and even some in the church have allowed themselves to become so desensitized to this issue they have rejected any consideration of that “fetus” being a “living human being” in the womb.  Some consider that entity or life in the womb nothing more than a mass of tissue or a blob of meaninglessness without value or viability.  Never mind that child in the womb has developed body parts, has a heartbeat, and can feel pain. 

Sadly, to many that is unimportant and I suspect that if they allowed themselves to think of that “fetus” as a “baby” they would find it impossible to sleep at night.  It is a serious issue and not one I investigate casually.  When I look at judgment on cities or nations Sodom & Gomorrah are unavoidable and there is no trace of their existence today.  Jesus spoke to the cities of Chorazin & Bethsaida reminding them of their blessings and their sin and said that the cities of Tyre & Sidon would have repented long ago had they seen what Chorazin & Bethsaida had seen.  In this nation we have seen greatness like no other nation on earth and as a people are among the most blessed in history.  Therefore, the question is important.

Alexis de Tocqueville said, “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there…in her fertile fields and boundless forests – and it was not there…in her rich mines and vast world commerce – and it was not there…in her democratic Congress and matchless Constitution – and it was not there.  Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did, I understand the secret of her genius and power.  America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”  That should stop us in our tracks as a nation and people. 

Our first president, George Washington, in his inaugural address on April 30, 1789, spoke of the inspiration that came through the love of country and the reality that the connection between virtue and happiness was indisputable.  He spoke of duty, success, and honest governmental policy and how we could not separate our success as a nation from virtue and honesty.  He said, “Since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”  He, they, and we should or must recognize that if we violate God’s basic moral principles as a nation or as individuals, we will fail without His smile on us.

Over 60 MILLION babies have been aborted in America since 1973.  Consider that the populations of Burma, South Korea, and South Africa are individually less than that.  We have killed enough babies to populate entire countries. That is alarming and frightening! 

America was living under bondage, in a great sense, at the time of the American Revolution.  America developed spiritual faith in bondage and from faith came incredible courage.  As courage took root liberty resulted and in liberty, America experienced abundance.  As America became rich in abundance symptoms of selfishness sprang up and out of selfishness and abundance came complacency, morally, spiritually, and politically.  Complacency produced apathy and has resulted in moral decay.  Out of moral decay came the fruit of dependency on man, ability, and government, and dependency has resulted in a return to bondage.  We, I fear, have come full circle in America and that is why I ask the question.

The nation of Uganda celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain and in 2012 the president stood before his nation and the word and repented of his personal sins and the sins of the nation.  Do you remember Idi Amin?  President of that nation from 1971-79 and his rule was characterized by incredibly human rights violations and genocide.  It is estimated that as many as 1/2 MILLION people were slaughtered under his direction.  The economy of the nation was destroyed, and the entire country was in shambles.  Today, that is not the same picture because a leader took personal responsibility and led the nation according to 2 Chronicles 7:14 in repentance and prayer. 

I hear the Spirit of God saying, “It is up to you America and Americans!”  We must change course personally if we have drifted from God and we must change course nationally if we are to enjoy the smiles of God on us today.  If we abandon God’s precepts and principles, we are treading on dangerous ground.  I wonder what our founding fathers and the preachers of that day would say if they saw us now.

May the Smiles of Heaven be in your life and labors.  Blessings abundant!