Repentance and Prayer is the Answer

Romans 13: 1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

This scripture is very clear that national rulers are in their position because God has ordain it and gives us a responsibility to act appropriately. That is a tough directive sometimes when we see things in this country sliding down a slippery slope politically, morally and ethically. We see our standing in the world being challenged. Our national defense being systematically weakened. And socialism being blindly voted in one election after another. So that seemingly leaves us in a predicament.

You see we like to cast blame. It is easy to blame the President, Congress the Judicial system, our educators and the list could go on and on. We just like to blame someone, anyone but ourselves. However Scripture is not silent in the area of blame either. God is clearly placing the blame on "His people". 2 Chronicles 7:14 says:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The state we find ourselves in and the direction we are headed is not the blame of the ungodly. They are just acting as the ungodly do. It is the Christian that has left their first love of God, compromised their morals, ethics and abandoned their prayer closets for comforts, conveniences, sports and recreation. That sounds harse and "old fashioned", but we have taken our prosperity that God has blessed us with and turned it into a curse. And we don't like the curse.

Now I have promised to be positive on this blog and what I've said is not intended to be negative, just the opposite. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not negative. The end can be positive. We should be aggressive in our attack against evil. Not with negative political activism. Don't take that wrong, we should exercise our right to vote and I think we have a responsibility to promote leaders that advocate Christian principles. But our greatest responsibility is to repent, turn from our wicked ways which includes apathy and tolerance for immorality. However, neglecting our relationship with God and failing to be good stewards of our time and money can also be included in the list of wicked ways. The blame lies solely within the body of Christ. We have abandoned basic Christian principles. That may be tough to admit but until we do we will not implement the remedy. The fact that there is a remedy is what makes this positive. Can we join together in repentance and prayer?