When The Wicked Thrive

“We have a soul problem” in America argued Trey Gowdy in the wake of the Covenant School Shooting that left six dead, three 9-year-old children and three adults.

This occurred just days after a high school shooting in Denver. According to a story by the Washington Post this is the 17th such incident in 2023.

“We’ve got to have some kind of conversation about what is wrong with the soul of this country that someone would kill a child,” Gowdy said on “America Reports” Tuesday. “I don’t know the answer. I just know that we have a soul problem in addition to a violence problem in this country.”

The rawness of Gowdy’s emotions in that interview undoubtedly expressed the feelings of most Americans.  Shock. Outrage. Anger. And heartbreak for those who have lost loved ones.  Especially the parents of little children.

Sadly, even before the funerals of these victims, this tragedy has become politicized. Typical answers were once again suggested to solve the problem. Hardening soft targets. Law enforcement personnel on school property. More restrictive gun laws.

Few people, if any, in the national media are daring to say what Gowdy said. We have “a soul problem.” In other words, it’s a spiritual problem. A moral problem. A problem of values.

Recently the Wall Street Journey, in a piece by Aaron Zitner reported that the values which once defined our national character are “receding in importance to Americans.”

Compared to 1998, the survey revealed that only 39% of the respondents said that religion was very important to them, compared with 62% 25 years ago.

Additionally, there was a significant decrease in patriotism, having children, and community involvement. What has increased is the importance placed on money, with 43% calling it “very important” compared to 31% in 1998.

Pollster Bill McInturff agrees that our “core values” are declining. Another pollster who worked on a similar survey said, “These differences are so dramatic, it paints a new and surprising portrait of a changing America.”

If Gowdy is correct that we have “a soul problem” in America, why do we?

Could it be the result of the humanistic teaching that has infiltrated our media, entertainment, schools, government, and in too many cases even churches? That people have been deceived into believing there is no absolute Truth? That right and wrong is relative to the situation? That a secular world view is preferred over a Biblical world view?

We live in a time where any belief, practice or lifestyle is tolerated, no matter how bizarre or perverted. In fact, what was once called sinful and shameful is now accepted, endorsed and celebrated. Could it be as the prophet Hosea wrote, “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” (Hosea. 8:7)? That we are reaping the consequences as a country of our collective bad choices?

Of course, whether or not one believes that we have a “soul problem” presupposes a belief in the soul. In the spirit. In eternity. And in God. If there is no God, what is the standard of right and wrong? The basis of morality? And a definition of good and evil? And who has the right to decide such?

For many the standard of morality is left up to each individual. So, we have a situation as in the days of the Judges where “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Jud. 21:25). As a result, that period of history was one of chaos, corruption, and depraved, despicable acts. Much like today.

The wise man was right. “When the wicked thrive, so does sin” (Prov. 29:16).

The tone of this post may sound like one preacher called “ain’t it awful preaching.” However, there is help. And hope.

It’s past time for those who call themselves Christians in our country to abandon the idea that our problems can be solved through a political process.. There is no candidate, either Republican or Democrat, who is the Messiah. There is only one Messiah–the Lord Jesus Christ.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins reminds us that we are fighting a “spiritual battle,” one that “is raging for our country and our culture” which “is targeting our children.”

“We must return to the only lasting source of hope and freedom – the Lord Jesus Christ,” Perkins added. “The Church must stand uncompromisingly upon the truth of God’s word, which is the source of hope and freedom. Nothing Washington is doing will matter until we acknowledge and address the moral decay and brokenness plaguing our culture.”

This begins in my heart. My home. My church. And my community. We need preachers, pastors and parents to return to God’s Word as our guide. Our book of values. Our roadmap in a world that has lost its way.

While we pray for those hurting from this latest tragedy, the soul of our nation will not change while estranged from God and His Divine counsel.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman