What's Happening to Our Greatness?

There are two things through which God made this country great: the Biblical and moral principles upon which it was founded and its being governed by the Constitution of the United States of America. However, as we move toward the second decade of this millennium, we keep moving further from both of these distinct features. As we consider this drifting and the potential consequences that will follow, let us, more importantly, see the spiritual applications.

First, the wise man said, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Pr. 14:34). This principle can be verified through inspired history. Consider Sodom, Gomorrah, and the cities of the plain (Gen. 18-19). The future existence of these people rested on whether or not ten righteous souls could be found in Sodom (Gen. 18:23-33). Unfortunately, not even ten could be found and thus the cities were destroyed (Gen. 19:23-25). Again, the wise man said, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked” (Pr. 11:11). From legalized abortion to tax payer funded stem cell research on human embryos (which encourages abortion) recently signed into law by the President, it is clear that our nation as a whole has been moving away from righteousness for quite some time. How long will God put up with us?

Second, though the Constitution of the United States of America is a human document, it was intended to serve as the standard of how our nation would be governed. However, it seems our politicians are seeking to “override” the Constitution and change the way we are governed in such a way as to deny the freedoms that the Constitution guarantees. For a nation to be distinct, whether it be worldly or spiritual, it must live according to its standard. Though America may still be called America, if it does not live by its Constitution, it is not really America! So also with the church, God’s spiritual kingdom. Our “constitution” is the truth. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32)!

In a sense, the greatness of our nation rests upon us. When we live according to the Gospel, we are righteous (Rom. 1:16-17). When we are righteous, we have godly influence (Mt. 5:13-16). When we have godly influence, our nation has hope (Pr. 14:34). Are we contributing to our country’s greatness?