“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Psalm 19:1 (KJV)
Until one or two generations ago most Americans recognized the presence of a higher being in the universe, someone they referred to as God, even if they weren’t church-going Christians.
There was broad understanding that God had passed on certain guidelines, through the Bible, for the good of humanity. We were called to live modestly and morally; to love our neighbors; to have compassion for the poor; to be good, responsible, honest citizens; to serve those under our care; to humbly accept that we are not perfect; and always forgive those who trespass against us, etc.
But over several years there has been a huge reaction against any kind of God who might impose absolute rules on us. The reasons for this are myriad, but the fact is that scholars, writers, politicians, and opinion pollsters have been working hard to persuade us that we don’t need God in our lives. The German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, wrote “convince people that there is no God and Western morality will destruct.”
So today we see everywhere people placing self, and material wealth ahead of God and family. And with no absolutes to provide stability and guidance, many people are learning their ethics from the latest self-help guru, from the New Age philosophers, and from Hollywood. We should not be surprised that America has fallen into moral ambivalence.
Where are you on your journey? As we reflect on the path we have taken, can we see the light up ahead, beckoning us forward? At first it is only the glow of the Cross of Calvary. But as we follow its light, we see the features of the one on the cross, Jesus Christ. He is always encouraging us onward. His smile is always drawing us nearer. His light is always brighter, more radiant, more beautiful, every single day, and we know that we can never live without God.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Give us the spiritual fortitude to resist the enemy’s attempts to deceive us. Grant to us that we may always desire to live with you and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, our Savior. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his truth and live to obey it,