Righteousness Exalts A Nation
Dr. Lewis Gregory
The United States of America began on a firm foundation. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” [July 4, 1776] So said the leaders who signed the Declaration of Independence at the founding of this great country.
What does that mean for us today? What criterion should be used in selecting government leaders? What does God say? “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Do right by God and He will do right by you. Honor the Lord God Almighty. Stay true to His standard of Righteousness—the Word of God. Rely upon the source of righteousness—the Lord Jesus Christ. Adhere to the laws of the land—especially the foundational documents of our country, primarily the United States Constitution. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that we select leaders that most closely uphold these standards.
God established the governmental system of authorities, laws, etc. as a means of insuring that society could function decently and in order. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1). Our country is in grave danger of removing the ancient landmarks (Proverbs 22:29). Without a uniform standard of government that is just and equitable, this great country we have been blessed with will begin to deteriorate, crumble and collapse. In fact, it is already beginning to happen.
What hope is there for our country? There is always hope with the Lord! But . . . we must stay the course. We must repent wherein we have veered from the path of God’s righteous standard. We must pray diligently, fervently, and expectantly in faith, for only Almighty God can turn the tide. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
In light of the present conditions, could this possibly do any good? Absolutely! Consider Abraham, the father of faith, as a classic example of a righteous appeal. “And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes” (Genesis 18:23-26). For the sake of the righteous God is willing to spare mankind. The old saying, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump,” applies to the positive as well as the negative. Because of the Apostle Paul’s prayer, God spared the lives of all the passengers on board with him when they were shipwrecked (Acts 27). But as then, so now, we must take a stand for righteousness, hope against hope, and remain strong in faith.
Times of crisis are always a healthy reminder of our need of God. And remember, nothing is too hard for Him! God has provided us with a clear formula for restoration, but we must follow His instructions explicitly. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). God is merciful and compassionate. He is just and righteous altogether. When we respond to Him with our whole heart, He will respond to us.
A broken and contrite heart of true repentance will touch the Father’s heart. What is the Father’s heart? “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live” (Ezekiel 33:11NIV). Where sin abounds grace does much more abound (Romans 5:20). God prefers to restore, rather than to destroy. He desires that we chose life, so that we might truly live! So let us receive God’s mercy and grace to help in our time of need. Therefore repent, humble yourself before the Lord, and call upon the name of the Lord, so that He might hear from Heaven and heal our country.
I urge you to pray in accordance with God’s Word in order that God’s will might be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Man’s words will all fade away, but the Word of the Lord shall stand forever! So pray that the Word of the Lord might have free course, and be glorified (2 Thessalonians 3:1)! And by all means, vote. Vote your convictions based upon God’s righteous standard. And may God have mercy on us all!
Dear God Almighty, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, I beseech you to rule and overrule in the affairs of men, and grant us leaders of character, conviction, and commitment!
Mon, Oct 25, 2010
Leadership