Are We Being Destroyed For Lack of Knowledge?

Around 750 BC, God said through His prophet, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hos. 4:6, NKJ). About thirty years after Hosea’s prophecy, the Northern Kingdom was taken into Assyrian captivity. On November 4, 2008, the American people voted for “change.” Although neither candidate was ideal, there was a vast difference between the two concerning ideology. Only time will tell whether the “change” coming is the kind of change voters really thought they would get. Our recent election provides some insightful spiritual comparisons.

Do We Not Know What Made Us Who We Are?

The United States of America has a very unique history that made us who we are. First, because we were founded for the purpose of religious freedom, Biblical principles were what guided our constitution and laws. Second, free markets which created incentive and reward for work is what made our economy strong and the envy of all nations. Both of these have been eroded. Could they be doomed? Spiritually, we are made Christians “by grace...through faith” (Eph. 2:8-10). To borrow the title of a book by Thomas B. Warren, “The Bible only makes Christians only and the only Christians”! It is impossible for us to be faithful Christians and/or the church of Christ without following the Biblical pattern (cf. Lk. 6:46; Acts 2:38-47; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17). Why would anyone calling himself a Christian want to change the Biblical pattern that makes us who we are, either by denying that there is such a pattern or by teaching that it does not matter?

Do We Not Know That Companionships Influence Our Conduct?

As we witnessed the media’s portrayal of our recent presidential and vice-presidential candidates, there was an extreme difference. One had to distance himself from practically every person and/or organization with whom he climbed the political ranks because of documented corruption involved in each of them, yet the media mentioned very little about it. Yet, the media sent hundreds of investigators to dig up hurtful stories on another candidate and someone even hacked into a private email account, yet they could not find anything of substance. What a contrast! The people with whom we associate do matter. Paul warned the Corinthians, “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33). The ASV translates the latter clause, “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” The company, or companionships, here are not necessarily those with who we work or coach soccer, but these are those with whom we associate ourselves on a regular basis. Like leaven (cf. 1 Cor. 5:6), “evil” influence will gradually take us away from God. This is why Paul warns, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17). We cannot companion with evil and still expect to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Mt. 22:37).

Do We Not Know That There Is More to Life Than Money?

One candidate promised health and wealth—“free” health care and a “tax cut” check in the mail, even for those who pay no income tax! Could that have blinded many voters? Spiritually speaking, “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Tim. 6:9). This is not to say that wealth is inherently evil, because it is not (cf. Gen. 13:2; Job 1:3). However, riches are deceitful (Mt. 13:22), and when their pursuit becomes our first priority, we are destined for destruction (cf. Lk. 12:15-21).

Let us not be destroyed for a lack of knowledge. Our salvation does not depend on who is the next president. Our salvation depends on our knowing and practicing the truth! Do we and are we?