WHERE ARE WE THE PEOPLE

by Charles Robey
(Trussville, AL 35173)

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14)

What is happening to America The Beautiful, the Land of The Free, and The Home of the Brave? Where are We The People ? One would almost have been in a cave somewhere not to know about and be worried about where America is headed, socially speaking. Gun violence is now running amok in all corners of this great country of ours.

Before I continue, please allow me to preface this blog with the following statement. "Guns don't kill people, people do." I understand there are many pros and cons to this famous phrase. Some might not want to read any further. However, I'm not going to argue for or against gun regulations. I am simply going to attempt to examine the possible root cause of all the evils involved. So, please continue reading.

America, for whatever reason, has evolved into an evil, progressive society. I don't necessarily blame any one faction for this happening. The root of this progressive evil is found in the Holy Scriptures. (Ephesians 6:12)

In (Genesis 4:3-5, 8) we see mankind's first murder. Cain, Adam and Eve's firstborn, was a farmer, and his brother Abel was a shepherd. The brothers made sacrifices to God, each of their own trade. However, God favored Abel's animal sacrifice over that of Cain's fruit of the ground. Cain then murdered Abel out of jealousy.

In explanation of this first murder, according to (I John 3:12) Cain murdered Abel because his deeds were evil. In other words, a bloodless offering was perfectly appropriate but it was Cain's attitude of unbelief that displeased God. We see a parallel in today's evil attitudes.

So, might we change this aforementioned phrase to read, "Guns don't kill people, evil, sinful people do."

In (II Timothy 3:1-7,9 13) we see a prophecy that living in the last days of time will crescendo in a maelstrom of evil deeds. Actions such as "lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious, gossips, without self control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, although they have denied its power." Wow! What a cosmos of evil! Kind of like reading the local newspaper, or viewing the local TV news, wouldn't you say? Do any of these traits fit the mass shooters of late?

And in (II Timothy 4:3-4) we see a picture of society turning away from sound teachings by clinging to untrue social myths. Heard any political speeches lately?

So I ask you, are we living in these last days, of our civilization? You be the judge. Just study today's news through the lens of your Bible.

I realize, much like the people of old, that America seems to be progressing into a mockery of the Scriptures. Our society is evolving into a "me, myself, and I" outlook on life. (II Peter 3:3-4) Listened to any mainstream news commentaries lately?

One thing is for sure. We now have a culture in America which is becoming a hazardous exposure in this free society of ours.

Now, don't surrender or concede to all this doom and gloom just yet. Let us return to the Scriptures.

You see, God gives us a divine lesson plan as well as a promise. If we will humble ourselves, pray and seek His face, then He will hear from heaven and heal our land. (II Chronicles 7:14)

The all-important fact of this particular Scripture is that it's all up to us, His people, to get the job done, not the unbelievers.

How may we do this? I realize that we have seen an uptick in political cynicism of late. America's populace tends to not think highly of government. However, the Apostle Paul gives us Americans a Scriptural lesson plan.

The authorities are established and instituted by God (Romans 13:1-2,4). Therefore, we believers are to submit to authorities (Romans 13:1,5), pay our taxes, (Romans 13:6) and give the authorities the proper respect, (Romans 13:7) with only one stipulation. (Acts 5:29)

So have we, His people, dropped the ball? And sad to say, have His churches dropped the ball, as well? And what may we do to promote the Gospel, among the unbelieving world? (Titus 3:1)

We are to seek the truth, and make assessments according to the Scriptures, and not be led astray by the news media, or any political or secular faction. And by all means we are to vote intelligently.

In other words, we, His people, need to get involved in our community. We must walk the walk and talk the talk. We may write to newspapers, lobby our government officials, and even join a reputable political party. When is the last time you, as a believer, wrote your congressman, called your local council representative, or attended your local city council meeting? (I Peter 2:13-17)

And above all, when is the last time you passed out a Gospel tract to a complete stranger? You see the unbelieving field is ripe unto harvest. (John 4:35) And Scripture commands us believers to be a witness for the Gospel, here, there and everywhere. (Matthew 28:19-20) (Acts 1:8)

So, we have our marching orders. Our work is certainly laid out for us. It's time now for us believers to go to work. With the help of Biblical advice, we can surely change this old country of ours.

Talk to your church leaders. Develop a lesson plan. Form a neighborhood Christian association. Basically get involved in your community for all the right reasons. And above all, get ready to vote. Amen!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Author's Postscript

"FIVE THINGS SCRIPTURE TEACHES US ABOUT GOVERNMENTS

Every government is put in place by God. (John 19:11)
God uses even sinful governments to do his will. (Jeremiah 25:8-9) (Acts 4:27-28)
We ought to pray for those who govern us. (I Timothy 2:1-2)
We should honor and submit to those who govern us. (Mark 12:17) (I Peter 2:13-17)
All human governments will eventually end and Jesus will reign over everyone forever. (Isaiah 9:6-7) (Revelation 19:11, 15-16) (Challies.com)

I hope these verses have helped you see that the governmental authorities are decreed by God for our own good and not for our harm and even though it is hard to trust any politician or even government employees, we are commanded to show them respect and live a life of obedience that is pleasing to Him because “whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (Rom 13:2)." (Taken in part from an article by Jack Wellman, Challies.com)

Yes, God is still on the throne. His providential care is complete and lasting. Amen! (Daniel 2:21) (Proverbs 8:15) (Psalm 75:7)