Shepherd Press
Newsletter 82
January 12, 2010
What’s Wrong with America?
How would you answer if someone were to ask you, “What’s wrong with America?” If you based your answer on reports from the news media, you might be tempted to say, “Everything!” Gas prices are heading up again, record cold is gripping the Northern Hemisphere, economic and financial woes abound, people continue to distrust their elected officials, and terrorism is front page news once again. The 24/7 cable news networks offer a running commentary on things that are wrong and how to fix them. The problem is that one analyst’s expert opinion is followed by another expert whose opinion is the opposite of the first one. Which brings us back to the question – what is wrong with America?
Christians would answer that the obvious reason is sin; which is true enough. The next step is to ask where we may find the solution for America. The answer to that question is not as obvious as it should be. Governmental, educational and various community organizations all attempt to fix what is wrong. But no matter how well meaning or how intensive the efforts of these folks may be, they cannot begin to address the real issue, the sin in men’s hearts. The reality is that God has designed one specific organization to address the issue of sin; his church.
As a new year and a new decade begin, it is important to focus on the one issue that really matters. People need to know Jesus Christ. Talk radio, cable news and the Internet can easily draw your attention toward solutions other than God’s. A strong military, fiscal responsibility, and trustworthy elected officials are important factors. But what really matters is that the gospel of Jesus Christ be uppermost in the hearts of Christians. We must remember that the gospel is the most basic need of our country and while the need for the gospel is great, hostility toward it is growing.
Perhaps you are aware of Brit Hume’s recent comments on the Fox News Channel regarding Tiger Woods. After stating that he believed that Tiger Woods’ current faith is Buddhism, Mr. Hume said:
I don’t think that faith (Buddhism) offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith,” Hume said. “So my message to Tiger would be, “Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world.”
Hume’s comments have set off a firestorm of protest. One writer scolded Hume for confusing religion with faith. That is, he would hold that there are many religions but only one faith – as in, all religions lead to God. Such comments help us to see clearly that most Americans do not perceive the gospel of Christianity as the solution to the problems of our day. But if America does not turn fully to Jesus Christ, it will matter little who wins the mid-term elections held later this year.
Your family and your church have intimate knowledge of the One who can truly make a difference. God requires neither opinion polls nor congressional majorities in order for his purposes to succeed. All that he requires is for his people to love God and obey his commands above all else. God’s ways are not what the world expects. The proclamation of the gospel is foolishness to those in darkness, but for those will hear it, the gospel is God’s power for salvation.
Encourage those in your family and in your church community to pray for and live for the glory of God to be shown in your life. It is this, and only this, that will ultimately resolve the issue of what is wrong with the hearts of men.
Categories: General