A Simple Solution for Our Woes

I posted to a blog last week by Michael Brown, a columnist, radio talk-show host and credentials far greater than mine.  

Mostly, his blog was devoted to explaining all the problems in America are not the fault of any one person, certainly not any one president, rather it is the fault of a nation that has lost it’s moral compass.  Brown, discouraged himself, says he will vote for anyone but Obama, but divulged that Mitt Romney isn’t exactly his cup of tea either.  

I’m sure many Americans share his lack of enthusiasm with Romney.  Personally, I look forward to Mitt Romney’s leadership bringing our nation back to greatness.  But that’s fodder for another blog.  

What made Brown’s blog noteworthy was at the end of his essay where he writes, “...the answer to America’s greatest problems is looking in the mirror [to see] if we align ourselves properly with God and with our neighbor.”   He concludes “...if we have messed things up, then by God’s grace, we can turn them around.”  But he fails to mention our role in recovery is repentance.

From a biblical world view, there are three institutions ordained by God - Biblical family, the Church and Government.  These institutions represent the framework in which we are to live and relate with one another.  Studying scripture one could conclude that we are to respect, honor and devote ourselves to these institutions as an act of reverence to our Creator.  Disregard the institutions and we become disconnected and our of sync with our fellow man and with God Himself.

Our disregard for the family is evident in the divorce rate which has steadily climbed since the 1950‘s. Today, at 50% it stands as a glaring reminder of our neglect.  The Church, once the center of our society, is now irrelevant to most Americans.  Nine in ten believe in God but only 18% honor God by attending church regularly.  Our growing disrespect for government is at an all time high.  Our views of President Obama and Governor Romney are more strongly negative than positive.  Congress approval rating is at 20%.  

Could it be that the Bible is right after all?  God lays out a simple solution.  Maybe it’s time we gave it some thought.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14