What Do You Value?

     As I step back from the whirlwind that is our political and social landscape, I am trying to determine what I can say that will make a difference in people's lives.  For those who are in a state of panic, I want to bring a sense of calmness about the state of our country and a realistic approach to our future.  For those who think that the electorate made the right choices, I want to present a creditable alternative to their opinions; have a respectful and considerate dialogue.  And for those who may not see the world from a Biblical viewpoint, I want to broaden their perspective and help them look beyond their comfort zone.  I realize that I have no credentials that makes me think I can accomplish all this, but it's in my heart to try.

     So let's start here .... America is changed.  Period.  The electorate have made their choice and it will take us further from our Founding principles.  There can be no debate about this fact, because it is now in the history books.  I recognize that not all of America voted for this change.  Indeed, I would submit to you that a majority of our citizens did not want this change; but through apathy, fraud and deceit we are nonetheless transformed.  

     For two generations now, our universities have become increasingly fraught with professors who believe that America is a greedy, intolerant, bigoted, warmongering, empire-building, destroyer of Mother Earth.  Does that about cover it all?   They have led our youth to reject the traditional values of this country in favor of moral equivalency.  In other words, one opinion or belief is just as good as another; all things are equal in value and tolerance is the mantra of the day.  That is, unless you happen to uphold the Judeo-Christian point of view.  "They" proclaim that there is no tolerance for this narrow-minded ideology, and it must be either transformed or eliminated altogether.

     So just what are some of these Traditional Values that we see disappearing from our social and political culture?  How about the Right To Life?  Abortion is now a permanent part of our culture, and with the advent of Obamacare, we will see less effort to sustain life among the critically ill, whether they be newborns or elderly.  It will simply cost too much.  The value of Life has been diminished, and America has changed.

     Let's consider the Traditional Values of Marriage and the Family.  I believe in the Biblical principle that marriage is between a man and a woman, is a lifelong commitment, and that the vows I took before God are sacred.  I do not believe it is good for a society to have single parent families, whether by design or neglect.  

     In conjunction with this value, Sex education in our schools has not curbed the rampant spread of sexual diseases or unwanted pregnancies; and it has now grown to include the promotion of homosexuality, bi-sexuality, and transgenderism as acceptable forms of sexual expression.  When sex is no longer considered as special and revered, it results in pornography, deviancy and infidelity.  This further erodes the fabric of our society.  Marriage and the family are no longer respected, and America has changed.

     What about the Traditional Values of Patriotism and Loyalty to Country?  It is no longer fashionable to salute the flag, put your hand over your heart as you sing the Star-Spangled Banner (if it's even heard anymore!), or believe that this is the greatest nation on earth.  I remember a U.S. Government professor I had in college back in the 70's who refused to teach beyond the WWII era, because he spouted a philosophy that America no longer deserved to be the leader of the Free World.  It was his belief that we had become corrupted and gluttons for power; we were no longer a compassionate or giving people.  We had become Evil Capitalism personified.  I think about how many of those vulnerable minds were deceived by his misguided views, and went on to raise children and grandchildren that were the heirs of such false ideologies.  "Love of Country" is now considered outdated, and a One-World view is the correct perspective.  America has changed.

     I wish I could tell you that these values will once again become prevalent; that give us an election cycle or two and we will be back on track.  But once again, my Biblical worldview tells me otherwise.  If you are a Believer, then I am talking to the choir.  You know it.  You see it.  If your faith is not at the forefront of your life, and you are still focused on your job, your mortgage, the political climate, retirement, the kids' college educations, or how to get by for the next four years, then what I'm saying sounds like doomsday and religious nonsense.

     But here's how I see it .... our battle is over.  We have tried and failed to save the Republic.  The measures that will be put in place (and rapidly) will change the face and depth of America.  We are getting what we asked for, as a country.  Whether you personally voted for it or not, it is coming.  We are moving from God's leadership and authority that was established at our Founding, to the leadership that our sins as a nation have wrought. 

      But do not despair!  The battle is now God's!  God does not turn His back on His people without offering a way back.  If we revive our churches and our schools and our government to Godly principles; if we seek a relationship with Him above seeking security through our jobs, titles, material possessions and human bonds .... then He can use what we asked for to His will and purpose.  He will go before us and fight the battle to regain our footing and our fellowship with Him.  He can restore us and  re-establish Himself as our Authority.
     But here's the deal:  We have to do our part and turn the direction of our culture back to Him.  It's the only way.  It is not enough to want it; we must actively pursue it or all will be lost.  My concern is this:  Those of us who believe these values are worth pursuing are going to be replaced by those who belittle and disparage them.  That, combined with the Force that wants them eliminated forever, means we need a miracle.   Only God knows. 

1 Samuel 12:13-15      "Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the Lord has set a king over you. If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors."