But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV)
Free speech, individual rights, tolerance, political correctness, progressivism, socialism, radical activism..... leave me alone and let me do my own thing!
Events from Ferguson, Baltimore, Yale, Columbia, NYC, and even recent videos from Tuscaloosa have some common elements that are unsettling to say the least......
We, as a culture, are refusing to submit to any authority except what our eyes judge to be right..... and if what we see doesn't line up with how we think it should be...then destruction must be prescribed as the only remedy.
Have you ever read Patrick Henry's speech to the Virginia Convention?
There was a rousing and divisive conversation going on regarding whether Virginia should raise a militia to act in the cause of a war for independence.
They met in St. John's church on March 23, 1775 and the end of the speech is the famous line:
Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!What strikes me THE MOST about the speech is the courtesy Mr. Henry bestows on his opponents in the debate.
See if you notice it......
MR. PRESIDENT: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.How we have fallen!
I guess I am no idealist who believes that we can easily return there.....
Unless there was a great spiritual revival and national repentance.... I don't see it happening.
But I am not a pessimist either:
We have a great country - never perfect. But we have to change the tone of the discourse and open our ears- we must speak the truth IN LOVE..... and we must be willing to stand firm when the opposition is dark, selfish, evil, and untrustworthy....
On this eve of Veteran's Day, I will work for the preservation of our union...but it MUST be a union-
AND it begins with an old adage (that used to be attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville, but since has been challenged- but the sentiment is TRUE)
I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers - and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce - and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution - and it vas not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.
So what concerns me at this moment?
Our presuppositions and selfish agendas leave no room for civil discourse and the rule of law.
AND, there is no self suspicion... we leave no room for a great possibility, which is this.... "Evaluate carefully... I may be wrong!"
and even if we are right- are we willing to treat each human being with respect and dignity?
Are we willing for facts to shape our opinions- or do we rush to judgement and twist facts to support our view of the situation?
Here are some concerning things in our current America:
We have turned free speech and tolerance into a right to cry-bully anyone we don't agree with.
We have given power to any discomfort as a right to play the victim.
Any voiced disagreement is treated as 'hate speech'.
Forget the idea of forgiveness- all grievances are settled by flesh and blood payments.
We think nothing of lying to support our world view- if the facts don't support us- let's lie our way to power. Where is integrity?
Any authority figure when using consequences to secure a situation or trying to correct a wrong, is thought of as guilty until proven innocent.
We have lost the idea of short term discomfort for long term gain.
See how the Apostle Paul counters so many of these wrong headed leanings.....
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:10-17 ESV)
How does this flesh out and apply to our culture?
Our politicians must once again learn to be statesmen.....
Our journalists need to report the facts and not feed agendas.....
Our pastors need to preach the gospel and serve the poor......
Our churches need to be willing to live humble and holy lives of love and service.....
Our schools must faithfully teach fundamental skills and valuable content- not incubate ideology...
Our parents must discipline our children or watch reality destroy their selfish safe houses....
Our marriages and homes need to be held together for the sake of the children.....
We all must be willing to forsake personal peace and affluence for the sake of others...
We must find a willingness to forgive and love... that is the only hope of healing....
Our capitalism must be held in check by the call of God, not the laws of men...
We must respect life as God given and treat all men like image bearers of the Creator...
And I believe we must forsake the false religion of secularism and humbly bow before God and cry out to Him for mercy and praise Him for His patience
And I think God's Word must become the subject of our conversations and opinions... our light and path.. the only rule of faith and practice....
I'm not ever giving up... but there is a lot of darkness on the horizon... clouds of judgment are building.....
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
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