The ugliness of lawlessness and disobedience is certainly a worthwhile topic of discussion in these days of dissension and discord. I’m truly troubled by the actions of the few who take matters into their own hands at the unfortunate expense of so many who are simply wanting to live peacefully in these United States of America!
I use the term “simply wanting” since we don’t seem to be united but divided in our wishes and wants. To a large extent, we’ve become a nation of individuals caught up in our own desires and not recognizing the needs of our neighbors.
I do believe the silent majority will soon awaken and take definitive action against those few who want to violently rebel against all this country represents.
There was a time in Israel after the death of Joshua that the people “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” and became disobedient to God — refusing to follow the examples of Moses and Joshua.
Yes, we’re talking about the actions of men and women 3,000 years ago, but I see great similarities in this world today that I’m certain are not pleasing to the Lord. The Israelites faced nearly a century of religious rebellion, retribution, repentance and restoration that necessitated God bringing forth 12 men and one woman to take His people through this cycle of lawlessness and disobedience.
More recently, the fall and decline of the Roman Empire can help us to witness how selfish desires and corruption can lead to the decimation of a once great civilized society.
The Apostle Paul amply described the condition of the hearts of these people in Romans 1:21-23. He proclaims: ”For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.”
The present divisiveness we’re observing within our borders could potentially lead to the demise of these United States as a world leader. The selfish behavior on the part of numerous splinter groups attempting to destroy our democratic constitutional republic is unprecedented. The defacing and destroying of monuments are divisive and evil. We must have law and order.
Our Founding Fathers structured the laws of this land from Judeo-Christian principles to provide a unique foundation that has led to nearly 250 years of peace and prosperity. This great American Experiment can only continue if we are willing to stand up and fight for our freedom from oppression once again.
Listen to these poignant words exhorted by Paul in Romans 13:11-14: “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
That’s awfully good advice from Jesus’ disciple even though nearly 2,000 years have passed since he offered it to the Church. We need to draw near to God and He will draw near to us and save our people!
Please join me in our renewed fight for freedom from the oppression that’s deviously attempting to knock down the foundation that was built on the Rock of Salvation.
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at jim@fourthquarterstrategies.com for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.