Peace and Safety “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalm 33.12
While we consider the political history of our nation and present-day unrest, it would do us all well to remember not only the Founding Fathers, but also our individual responsibilities as a citizen. The fact remains that our Founders were, as we are, sinful people who fall short of perfection. Try as we may, we will never of our own efforts achieve perfection – neither in knowledge, understanding nor application.
This nation was founded upon the Judeo-Christian understanding of man’s fallibility and forged with God’s Word in mind in order to minimize the effects of human depravity that would tend to weaken a righteous foundation. I recently received an article from an evangelist friend entitled, “How Christians Can Destroy America.”* The message is poignant as it reverses a commonly held focus suggesting that our problems arise from those who are protesting, arresting, ruling and otherwise involved in politics.
We must keep in mind the reality that our nation is no better or worse than its citizens. And, as the salt of the earth, it is the responsibility of the followers of Christ to do more than simply set an example – we are to expand our influence in the world by making disciples of those who are not of the family of God. (Matthew 28.19, 20) This, of course, requires more than simply winning the lost. It mandates that we become personally involved in the maturation process after salvation occurs. It also requires that we live our lives in such a manner that we reflect the holiness of our Savior-God – being an example of the truth. (I Timothy 4.12)
Brother Everson suggests five causes of decay within the church that will ultimately affect our nation.
1. Neglect Personal Holiness, Matthew 5.13-16. We destroy America by looking just like it. This is not necessarily suggesting a matter of clothing, but a lack of the inner beauty that sets apart someone who has walked with God. You’ve seen the type – the ones who represent their faith without saying a word.
2. Abandon the Bible, Hosea 4.6. We destroy America by becoming biblically illiterate. This suggests someone who, because of a lack of biblical knowledge, relies upon his own understanding. Apart from the principles of God’s Word, an individual wanders aimlessly between personal knowledge and worldly wisdom. He may not be hostile to the truth – just ignorant.
3. Worship Comfort Instead of Christ, Revelation 3.17. We destroy America by making church about convenience. The Church was not built to be comfortable. We weren’t saved to relax. We were saved to overcome – to reach a lost and dying world.
4. Tear Down Leaders Instead of Building Up the Body, Proverbs 6.19. We destroy America by gossiping about your pastor, splitting churches and sowing discord among the brethren. The Bible mandate is that Christians ought everywhere to pray – especially for leaders. (I Timothy 2.1-4) What a different world we would live in should we pray as earnestly as we protest.
5. Forget to Pray, II Chronicles 7.14. We destroy America by trying to fix everything except the one thing that matters. We’re holding the right tools – Scripture, tradition, truth – but we’ve unplugged the power. Without prayer, it’s just noise. Just movement. Just effort with no effect. We don’t need more strategies – we need power from above. *Ben Everson, Everson Family Ministries (adapted and used by permission) Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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