Get On Your Knees, America!
Even as I watched from a few thousand miles away, the excitement that surrounded Inauguration Day 2009 was tangible. America had elected a new president and a new party and they were celebrating. Papers lauded the incoming president as someone who could get the job done. Newscasts sang the song of change and the internet buzzed with hopes for good things to come. I listened to the speeches, prayed with Rick Warren and wanted to get caught up in the emotion of the moment, but couldn’t.
I take great pride and joy in being an American. When I have travelled overseas, I’ve tried to act as one who would bring honor to her country. I’ve also ached to return to America at the close of each trip. There is an essence of freedom, morality and safety in America that I haven’t sensed in other areas of the world. America is not without its problems and issues, but for many years I’ve been comforted knowing that though his decisions may not be popular, my Commander-in-Chief acted with the country’s best interest in mind.
Since the November elections I have had a burden to pray for our new President. However, in the days following the inauguration the burden to pray has become a compulsion. America is in dire straits (no, not the band). Our banks, because of poor policies, are failing. Some homeowners are losing their homes due to purchasing more house than they could afford. Other homeowners are losing their homes because, though they purchased within their means, they have lost their jobs. The car companies are laying off workers by the hundreds because consumers can no longer afford to consume. Moral standards that define the life of a child and defend marriage as being between a man and a woman are being attacked, ridiculed and legislated against. What are we to do?
The first thing we must do is pray. 1Timothy 2:1-2a says, “First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men. For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility…” (Amplified) Our leaders, regardless of their political persuasion, need our prayers. They are making tough decisions- decisions that will and do affect our country morally, financially, socially and physically. We need to ask for wisdom for our President and all leaders at the local, state and national levels.
Second, our filter needs to be turned on and tuned in. Philippians 4:8 is a Scripture that is traditionally referred to when referencing our thought life. However, I believe we can also apply it to the laws of the land. “Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things- fix your mind on them. “ (Amplified) When we begin to weigh the amendments and proposed laws through the filter of whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, and excellent we will be able to discern sound laws from unsound laws. As we discern and become more aware of what will keep our country on a morally, financially and physically secure course, we will be ready to take the final step in making a difference.
Finally, our voice needs to be found and heard. I have been interested in politics for quite a while. I believe it is important to be informed; therefore, I watch FOX News, listen to different commentators, read the paper and other print media to see what is happening in our land and in our policies that affect the world. However, though I am a big proponent and advocator of voting and being active in that privilege, I’ve not gotten involved physically or vocally. This election season, though, I realized that I needed to add my voice and physical support to the people and amendments that stood for a higher moral code . Laws are being made and challenged that affect our country not only on a moral and financial level, but more importantly on a spiritual level. Sanctity of life- it is being questioned and even legislated against. Fiscal responsibility- I’m not sure the proposed “bailouts” consider the definition. Support of Israel- will it continue?
We must post the phone numbers and email addresses of our Senators and Representatives in a prominent place so that we can make the phone calls and send the emails voicing our concerns. Our elected officials must know where “we the people” stand on these important issues.
We are on a political ride that will bring change. The question is, who is going to dictate that change? Will the politicians, some of whom do not have a spiritual foundation, have complete reign in policies, or will Christians begin to courageously stand and fight for Biblical truth as it applies to policy changes in America?
