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“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land,” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
The news, whether local, national, or world news, is disheartening. Violent crime, tragedies, economic crises, fuel and food shortages, are just a few of the headlines causing most of us stress.
The verse above from 2 Chronicles is quoted often during times when a people see their own country on a downward path. The verse was first stated by Solomon as the Temple was completed. Solomon knew his people had committed wrongdoings and, as in our own time, the people needed a course correction. In our own country and in this time, we need a course correction just as the people in the Old Testament. And, like the people of Solomon’s time, God has already chosen us. He loved us first.
Nevertheless, before our eyes we see the violence, theft, and burning of cities. We hear the angry vitriol between political parties. It seems our nation needs to be humbled. As a country we need to turn back to God, ask for forgiveness, and work very hard to heal our land. Can we do it? How do we do this? Where do we begin?
Let us turn first to young people. We see the pain, hurt, and suffering of so many in a generation raised without parents or with dysfunctional parents. We see children of poverty and violence within their own homes. We see children with material or technological substitutes for parents and happiness. We also see groups of teachers who are more concerned with one political stance or another, with one rights group or another, who attempt to influence vulnerable children who have no role models at home to advise them and teach them about God. Faith has not only left our schools, but faith has also left many homes. These children are easy prey for indoctrination.
How can a nation save itself? How can we save children who have no one to rely upon? How can we save the church in our country? And what is “church” in the modern world?
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” Acts 20:28.
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The church is us. Those of us who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within, who have accepted our Lord and Savior, who lift one another up, who help each other and praise God together. We are the church. It is up to us to get busy. We are to share the Word of God with others. As the Apostle Paul told the Colossians:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16.
As the Christian church, we are to plant the seeds, invite others to church, lift each other up, and keep our Christian values. We are to provide role models not only for our children but for children and adults who may have lost their way. Today, talk with others, think of how to make a difference, even a small difference in the life of a child, a neighbor, an acquaintance, a friend.
We are coming upon the celebration of our nation’s independence. July 4th is just a few weeks away. During this time, remember the brave men and women who gave their lives defending our freedom and our values. Remember this country was founded under the one true God and Christian values are the ones our country held dear when it was established. Teach children about the true history of our country. Do not rely on others for the education of your children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and children of friends. Establish the values early. As a nation, let us humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from wicked ways. Let us do our part to bring our country back.
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