But even beyond that, this sin of self righteousness has manifested as a controlling spirit that seeks to dominate the weaker and more unlearned and it is for that arrogance and pride and haughtiness that we will be judged as a nation with wrath.
This pride manifests itself in lust and murders and violence and self-gain, with no remorse at excluding others who may not be as fortunate or blessed or nurtured. To whom much is given, much is required. And most Americans have been given quite much - in material and spiritual luxuries.
But lest one thinks I am referring to Christian works as the solution, let me say that is not what I am talking about! It is an ATTITUDE that needs to be dealt with.
Micah 6: 8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
This is where we have failed. If we love God, we keep His Commandments. But our blessings have hidden judgment from our eyes. We cannot collect enough good works to keep judgment away. The man with few works and a right heart is better than a man with many good works and the wrong heart.
When I look at the political situation, I can really see the thick and heat of the battle we face as humans. Many have wanted to stay away from politics altogether because of the cut-throat manuevers, but what has really happened is that our knowledge and expertise of spiritual warfare has fallen. Manifest destiny of God's righteous cause has turned to "Hold your own! Every man for himself! Forget God!"
Instead of the Kingdom of Righteousness, in politics, it is "Let the best man win." But what happens is that the strong man wins and he may or may not be so righteous. Our political leaders are known and lauded for their expert manueverings rather than their good leadership. But true power is in prayer power.
Even Jesus admired the ungodly servant who got fired and shrewdly worked to advance himself in ungodly ways. At least he was trying! He was not lukewarm with indifference at the value of his life!
If we do not know the tactics of the enemy, we do not even know how to pray properly. I remember going through a congested intersection one time, and some lady with a bunch of Christian bumper stickers on her car was trying to be nice and letting people change traffic rules to accomodate their driving destinations. All she did was slow down traffic and make it harder on everybody.
She thought she was being a real "noble" Christian, but she was breaking the rules so she could look and feel good. But it confused others and hindered other traffic that had the right of way, and she slowed down the process of order that would have made the problem less severe and more quickly remedied.
As one behind her, I did not think she was giving Jesus a good name. That does not mean we aren't to be kind or courteous and helpful, of course we should! But don't be so hung up on being a "noble Christian" that you think you are better than others by your good works! Your works are not working then!!! They are only antagonizing others!
When people break some rules, then it causes the others to not work. Oh how we all love to be the exception! The hardest lesson of my life was learning I was not the exception! I am glad I learned it, too!
God is no respector of persons. If you are blessed and another is not, He is grieving over the one who is not. Vows that are demeaning to one's self do not prosper the Kingdom of God. We NEED the works of God, but the First Commandment is first for a reason - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Have no other gods before you." Full effort, no loopholes.
We need everyone's full energy and strengths to win the world. The battle is not over yet. Jesus has won the Victory but there are still many who have not and may not have opportunity to partake in His Victory because we are off doing our own thing!
That does not mean we should have no pleasure in life. But if there are not certain areas where it hurts just a little to do for others, then I don't think we have a true sacrifice that is pleasing unto God. Self has come first.
It's hard because man cannot be the full judge of what others are doing. If we all had super keen discernment, then we would know for sure who is failing and who is not. But God did not leave us without good sense! God placed MANKIND in positions of governing so that we may have a quiet and peaceable life.
Democracy has been a gift in America, because if we discerned leadership falling down on the job, we could change them! But the burden is on the people to live righteous lives. If not, then a dictatorship would do, and nations who are punished get just that - ungodly dictatorships!
People cry "I'm a victim" (by nature) more than they cry, "I am the one to blame." Sometimes you are the victim and sometimes you are not, but you are still called to do justice. Mercy at the expense of justice is changing the rules and that is an idol. Mercy in the light of justice is good. That is walking humbly before your God.
If you want to move the Hand of God, if you want to avert or avoid judgment, do justice. Acknowledge justice. Know Justice, intimately. I am sure you have seen the bumper stickers which say: "Know Justice, Know Peace. No Justice, No Peace." How very true!
If we could pile up a bunch of works and impress God, I am sure we would try. But attitude still makes a difference. We are Family. And until we reach out to those less fortunate and unlearned with the right spirit, we will reap our punishment.
------------------------------