Reason for all Seasons

 

OUR FUTURE

10-25

I wrote an article about two weeks ago about a public demonstration I witnessed in our town. I commented about the derogatory language that was used on some of the signs. One in particular was very offensive. You can read the particulars about it in my article titled Disappointed. I want to reemphasize the fact that we all have the Constitutionally guaranteed right to peacefully demonstrate and protest and no one should have a problem with that. However I do think we should all be respectful and be an example of how we would like to be treated or represented.

What I wanted to talk about today is something that this country has been dealing with for some time now. I believe it started sometime in the 1950’s. Maybe even before but that is as far back as I can remember. This something I want to talk about is the violent, contentious, and divisive society we all exist in today. It was bad before but the Charlie Kirk assassination and resulting memorial service afterwards just brought it to a point where I have to speak out about it. We are a divided country on a par with the North vs South before the Civil War. Why is this? Is it because our leadership, past and present fosters this attitude that gravitates from words to actions? Our leaders are supposed to represent all the people all the time not just the ones who agree with the powers that be, not point fingers of blame at any particular group. Our leaders are supposed to at least attempt to make us a stronger more united country and provide a tangible/intangible atmosphere that promotes security and hope. They are supposed to speak the truth and not be biased. They are supposed to insure equality and equal opportunity in our nation to the best of their ability. Do you see this happening? If we are all being honest and have researched enough to understand what is truth vs fiction I believe we can all agree our country is not moving forward and upward but rather just the opposite. Have you thought about what the future holds for us if we continue like this? We cannot exist as a strong united country if we can’t agree to disagree, leave room for what we don’t understand and move forward united by our Constitution and our faith. Matthew 12:25-Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” I challenge you to read and believe the Declaration of Independence and the first paragraph of the Constitution. These words should be our guiding principles after the Bible.

Now let’s look into the future to get some perspective, clarity, and what I believe reality about the path our country is currently on. Of course this is just my opinion but I believe the conclusion is obvious if we stop to think about it. The USA is a superpower and so are other countries many of them not friendly toward us. These countries don’t like us or respect us and wouldn’t hesitate to turn against us if given the opportunity. Some just tolerate us because of the benefits they can and do receive from us. Some are directly hostile but don’t act on it because of the terrible horrors of war and they would probably suffer as much as we. Others, one in particular, has been slowly but surely amassing power, dominance, and economic superiority over several decades and are on at least a par with the USA in all ways. They are trying to win a war without firing a shot and we will not be in a position to argue or debate. They are using us against ourselves and it has been working. They are waiting for us to implode and be in a position where we are practically at war with each other, trusting and believing no one and living in a constant state of insecurity, anger, and fear. At this point all the bravado, ego, arrogance and similar words or actions won’t save us. We will be at others beck and call and have to humble ourselves like never before just to survive, or else. Is this what you want for you and your children's future? I don’t think so. We have to get our heads out of the sand of self-centeredness, wake up and read and do what the Bible says. Love and forgive one another. Matthew 6:14-15.

We have some leaders in this country who have, in the past, promoted Christian ideology but don’t live it themselves. They have even profited financially from it and most certainly deceived people of this faith to gain their support in order to attain positions of power. They lie, distort the truth, seek revenge, and promote all manner of deception. The sad part about all of this is that people, true believers, actually believe what they say without even investigating to learn the truth for themselves. They put their hope and belief in a person instead of God. These true believers excuse proven past bad behavior and accept current bad behavior. These leaders seek revenge stating publicly that they hate their enemies and justice must be served. What does the Bible say about that. “Revenge is mine said the Lord” and “Love your enemies and do good to them” and “Forgive others and Your heavenly Father will also forgive you”. These are some of the character traits we want our leaders to have. This is how they set good examples for us and the world that others will want to follow. The fruit of the Spirit as written in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23 are, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” These principles should be our guiding light. There is a time to be strong and forceful but it should always be wrapped in consideration and respect for our fellow mankind.

Love and Peace, Amen.

Pastor Walter C. Scott