What Can the Righteous Do?

As work continues on the 1776-foot Freedom Tower, scheduled for completion in 2013, I read that the foundation is 70 feet deep.  We understand the importance of a solid foundation in building a structure of this size. Sadly, our country has forgotten the importance of a solid spiritual foundation.

Over 3,000 years ago, the Psalmist raised the question, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” And the foundations are being destroyed.

The sanctity of human life is disregarded and disrespected today.  Since 1973, there have been in excess of 54 million abortions.  Dr. Richard Lee, Editor of The American Patriots, was right when he wrote, “If people and nations do not grant this respect and protection for the born and unborn, all other professed morals and values are meaningless.”

The traditional family unit has been under attack for years.  Forces that have been at work to redefine marriage have now gained acceptance in the White House.  It is a sad day for our country. (See my post on May 10^th) https://thepreachersword.com/2012/05/10/president-obama-supports-same-sex-marriage

Work ethic is another foundation that is eroding.  There is an increasing attitude of pandering to those who won’t work.  Of promising people something for free at the expense of those who are working!

At one time, we lived in a God-honored culture.  Our first universities were based on Christian principles. Harvard University, in 1636, in its “Rules and Precepts,” stated:  “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life.”

So, on this 4^th of July birthday, what can the righteous do? What is the answer?

(1) Trust in the sovereignty of God (Jer. 18:7-10).  He is in control.  Governments exist because he allows them to (Rom 13:1-2).  When he is ready to bring a country to its knees, He will.  In the meantime, let’s trust in God.

(2) Pray for our leaders. (1 Tim 2:2) It’s very easy to criticize them. Call names. Hurl insults.  Question their integrity.  And even demean the office.  Let’s pray more and criticize less.

(3) Make your faith apparent.  Live in the world.  Don’t hide!  Don’t become a hermit!  Don’t isolate yourself from others. Be salt.  Be light.  Make a difference. There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”  In your job, social circle, or neighborhood, exhibit the character of Christ.

(4) Fortify your family.  Make your family a Christian home.  Men, love your wives. Lead your home.  Teach your children.  Ladies, be the Christian wife and mother that the Lord expects.  You can’t isolate your children from the world, but you can insulate them with divine principles that will fortify their faith.

(5) Celebrate your citizenship.  Today, as we celebrate, we’re proud to be Americans. You may march in a parade.  Fly your flag.  Support a political party.  Or give a speech.  But let’s remember our real citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:17-21).  We are pilgrims. Strangers.  Aliens.  Truly, “this world is not our home.  We’re just passing through!”

We would do well to remember the words of President Ronald Reagan at a prayer breakfast on August 23, 1984. “If we look back through history to all those great civilizations, those great nations that rose up to even world dominance and then deteriorated, declined, and fell, we find they all had one thing in common. One of the significant forerunners of their fall was their turning away from their God.”

“Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, society coarsens. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman