LET US MAKE A NAME FOR OURSELVES

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL, USA)

Let us make a name for ourselves ( Genesis 11:4 )

Well, our American national election is now over. And it's time for us, as a country, to look ahead to the future, regardless if the election went your way or did not. There will be major decisions to be made from a political perspective. But the most important decision, the one with which we all may take part, is the direction of our country from God's point of view. Do we go with God ? ( Isaiah 55:12 )

How then can this happen ? How may we make a difference ? We would do good to take a lession from history. The early church was in its early stages of development, by having to fight the political religious character ( Acts 4:1-7 ( Acts 6:11-15)( Acts 8:1 ) of the day. However, this new church received help, in the form of God's Holy Spirit. ( Acts 9:31)

If we Christians would only practice the same church bylaws, as did the early church, ( Acts 2:41-47 ) we could turn this nation around for God. ( Romans 8:37 )

In ( 2 Chronicles 7:14 ) God gives us a big "if" and a big "I". Yes, if we, as His people, will turn to him He will heal our land. Notice, however, God has left this promise rather open ended. In other words, it is just assumed that if we don't do the dictates of God, He will not heal our land. And if this be the case, what should we expect ?

From the very onset of human history up until now, we have many examples of the consequences of avoiding God's plans for our lives, individually and collectively. The scripture gives many examples of this, starting with the major disobedience of them all, that has effected mankind forever. That being the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. ) Genesis 3:1-7 ).

This defiance against God continued at the tower of Babel, in which God stop their building plan by confusing their language ( Genesis 11:1-9 ) However, the heart of the matter is made clear in these words, "let us make a name for ourselves". ( Genesis 11:4 ).

Is that same philosophy not still true in today's world. That of leaving God out of our plans. It would surely be OK, if our intention was to give God the glory for our accomplishments. However, by leaving God out of our preparation, as was the case at Babel, we as a country are treading on a rotten foundation.

And what about those Israelites, having to wonder in the desert for forty years, due to their disobedience. ( Joshua 5:6 )

And on-an-on, we go down through the scriptures, to our modern day culture. When God is left out of any preparation, ( Romans 1:28-32 ) be it government, business or personal, evil consequences begin to start occurring.

Happenings such as a presumptive a path of lawlessness, civil disobedience, political corruption, economy woes, and increased natural disasters

You see, we serve a Holy God and He cannot go against His written word. Neither can He tolerate evil. ( 1 Peter 4:17 )

So, how do we as Christians take a stand for the right and truth ? How do we face the rightful decision ?. Do we give support to evil trends ? And if so, does that make us sinners as well ? Or, if we resist these trends, are we not being good citizens ?

Scripture should be a primary starting point for seeking God’s will. Especially, when we’re in conflict with respect to the proper stand to take, regarding our country's demography trend (or anyone else for that matter). One of the most important passages for discerning God’s guidance for Christians in conflict is ( Philippians 2:1-11)

In light of this passage of scripture, if you’re in the midst of conflict, with respect to how to handle your emotions concerning our countries trends, please consider the following suggestions:

Pray that the Lord will speak to you through this scripture and through the ministry of His Holy Spirit.( 1 Timothy 1:5 )

Fighting evil world conflict is very hard, as we are up against the full forces of Satan, ( Ephesians 6:12 ) Allow God to give you the proper convictions. Confess if you need too. Ask for his help to obey if you need to.( Hebrews 4:16 )

Share your concerns with other like minded believers, as to what God has been saying to you through Philippians 2. Be open to encouragement and or correction from these believer. And above all, ask them to remember you in prayer.( 1 Thess 5:11 )

Take steps to proceed with what God has said to you through this passage. Be a doer of the Word, not a hearer only (James 1:22). You may find it very hard to do what God wants you to do. Be assured, however, God will provide the strength you need if you depend on him. ( Proverbs 3:6 )

This perfect God of ours not only knows our strengths but also knows our weaknesses. ( 1 Cor 10:13 ) If our decisions are made, in accordance with the scripture, God will not leave us. ( Jeremiah 29:11 )

God gives us a very specific direction, for all of these mind-sets, through the apostle Paul,. ( Romans 12:1-3 ) by telling us even though we are a part of this great country we should not give in to the dictates of evil.

In other words, we as Christians should love the sinner but hate the sin. We should be bold in the sinners presence by retaining our Christian witness, but never give in to the sinful dictates of the sinner.( Romans 8:7 )

You see, by virtue of the laws of nature, we Christian will remain in this world ( John 17:15 ) until God sees fit to take us home, either by death ( 1 Cor 15:50 ) or by the rapture. ( 1 Cor )

Dr. Charles Stanley has a very good interview on YouTube, entitled " turning the tide" Please take time to watch the video. It is about 15 minutes. Some of you may have seen this video, so it's just a review for you. And for those of you who have not seen the video, it is a very good message, as to where we may be headed, based on scripture

Blessing to all, just keep the faith, God is still on the throne.