We used to live on a street that led to a dead end. Our house was the last one and anyone driving by our place was usually looking for a way out of our subdivision. The town was in that direction, but you couldn’t go that way. People would smile and wave as they drove by and looked a little embarrassed as they returned. They had reached the dead end and turned around.
I am reminded of that dead end street when I see the direction our country is going. Why are we going that way? It’s obviously the wrong destruction! History is littered with the remnants of nations who went that way and failed. Our schools used to teach those lessons before they became “woke.” Our politicians once proudly pointed to democracy as the reason for our success. They touted capitalism, our work ethic, and the freedoms we enjoy as the model for the world. We urged others to try freedom and see what it would do for them.
Even more important than democracy, hard work, capitalism, and freedom was our faith in GOD! We didn’t force people to believe but it was part of our schools, acknowledged by our government, celebrated throughout our economy, and respected in the public square. Few people dared to question GOD’s rightful place in our lives, let alone His existence.
My how times have changed! One mother complained and GOD was expelled from school. The Ten Commandments were removed, while abortion, gender change and government control entered and pushed parental authority out. Is there any wonder our kids are killing themselves and one another? The American Dream has crumbled as young people demand what they didn’t earn and take without giving. Christians are condemned by members of oppressive religions as they seek to destroy pillars of our society. Corporations quickly support radical causes out of fear of being attacked, and small businesses must obey or else. Climate change has replaced GOD, family, country, and security in our priorities. Criminals are protected while law abiding citizens are under siege. The tragedy seems unstoppable even as our enemies are on the move. A news headline read, “Majority Believe U.S. Best Days Behind” and sadly I agree.
So, what is the answer? “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” (1 Cron 7:14 KJV). There you go with that religious stuff again! It’s not religion, it’s a relationship with JESUS which starts with repentance (turning away) from sin. JESUS said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 KJV) and the way you are going leads to death and destruction!
What if I don’t want to turn around? “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV) and you are going away from “everlasting life” towards everlasting death! “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life” (John 10:10 KJV). You can still turn around, but the time is coming when you won’t have that choice. Sadly, you are taking so many others with you because “broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in” (Mat 7:13 KJV). Turn away from the dead end!
Wayne Lance (2022) – That’s Good News to Share!