America--We've Got a Problem!

Once it’s established an individual or nation has a problem, to deal with it, it first must be identified.  Currently America has problems that just won’t quit—even on informal news programs airing the latest tragedy or atrocity folk are saying, “What’s become of us as a nation?”   That’s actually a spiritual question. 

Before venturing what some would quickly call a too-simplistic answer, I want to quote a verse of scripture applicable to all nations:  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. . .” (Psalm 33:12a).  For God to be the Lord of a people, accountability must be established— can it be any other way?  And, if God is to be Lord, does it not follow that it must be on His terms?

The God of the Bible, even Jehovah God, is holy, just and righteous.  And, yes, He is full of mercy, but His mercy knows limits. 

Now, what is America’s problem?  It is S-I-N.  With no sense of “right” and “wrong” people go their own way and do their own thing, regardless of consequences, the essence of sin.  Dr. Karl A. Menninger was dealing with this in his memorable work, What Became of Sin? (Circa 1970).  His point:  no “sin”, no forgiveness.  However pleasurable a thing, if it’s wrong, it’s sin.  So people go about bearing a ton of unforgiveness because of inability or unwillingness to recognize and deal with sin.

And sin does have consequences.  Consider this in Israel’s experience, “So the Lord’s anger was aroused against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the Lord was gone” (Numbers 32:13).  Is it not possible God’s anger could be kindled against us?

Moses said a simple but powerful thing, “. . .be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).  America, our sin is finding us out.

It has been said, “Put sin out the door and it will come back in the window”.  Sin must be dealt with, it cannot be accommodated.  To deal with this Jesus died on the Cross that through the shedding of His blood, the power of sin might be broken once for all (see Hebrews 9:28).  But that protection is available only as His followers distance themselves from sin, and walk humbly before Him, following His commandments (John 13:33-35).

In 1955 I read  a book “Calvary Road” by Roy Hession a missionary-evangelist (first printed in 1950 but still available over the internet) detailing how revival in central Africa had been maintained for a number of years, centering about three things:  brokenness, repentance and confession of sin.  Using this work with study groups, emphasizing these elements, I have found this as basic (and painful), yet critical to spiritual health as it ever was.

We need to “beat a path” to the Cross and there, through repentance, again find forgiveness of sin.  Then, allow the Holy Spirit to “set us on fire” to carry this message everywhere we go.