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We are waking up to an amazing day in America. As a nation, we have chosen a platform that chucks God, endorses and promotes baby killing, redefines marriage as God has ordained it, and embraces a man who is the embodiment of all the above.
It is also amazing that the nation re-elected Obama in this weak economy, something American's don't normally do. Usually they choose the other guy when the economy tanks.
In Maine, the heated battle to approve of homosexual marriage at the ballot box has finally won. It has ben a long and bitter battle, with the Legislature first attempting to pass it, but the people mounted a referendum challenge, and were successful. Then the Judicial system attempted to install it, and the people again mounted a ballot referendum and were successful in holding the line for traditional marriage once again. That back and forth ping pong ball has gone on in Maine for many years, with finally, the ballot box winning out this time in favor of the perverse version of marriage. The LA Times reports-
Homosexual marriage legalization passes in two states
"Maryland and Maine appeared poised to become the first states in the nation to back same-sex marriage at the ballot box Tuesday night, and other gay-marriage measures were on the ballot in Minnesota and Washington. The issue had been before voters 32 times and had been rejected every time. But activists say public opinion has shifted since 2008, when California passed a constitutional amendment reserving marriage for heterosexual couples. A 2010 poll showed that, for the first time, more Americans supported gay marriage than opposed it, and in May, President Obama endorsed same-sex marriage. ... Just three years ago, the state defeated a same-sex marriage bill at the ballot box. But a lengthy campaign to change voters' minds has persuaded some Mainers..."
This next part will be kind of long but I want to offer a biblical grounding for a deep understanding of how dire the spiritual situation is. Please, please read...
This is from a bible analysis of homosexuality. It is by Brian Schwertly of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Waupaca County. It is well worth reading the entire piece. Here are some excerpts:
It is true that some people hate homosexuals. Some people even engage in “gay bashing.” But it must be remembered that people who engage in such activities are sinning against God; they are not at all living in accordance with the law of Christ. The true Christian loves the homosexual and shows it by treating him in a lawful manner, according to the law of God (1 Jn. 5:3). Slander, violence, hatred and scorn should never be the attitude of a Christian toward the homosexual; Christians should protect homosexuals from personal attack. Yet, while the Christian should love the homosexual by treating him lawfully, he must also love him by being biblically honest with him. A person’s attitude toward homosexuality must not be shaped by our changing, pagan culture but by God’s inspired, infallible revelation, the Bible. The Bible offers hope to the homosexual because it speaks the truth and proclaims forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.
The Creation Ordinance of Marriage
In order to have a proper understanding of human sexuality one must go back to the beginning of mankind. In the beginning God created one man (Adam) and one woman (Eve). God did not create two men (e.g., Adam and Steve) or two women (e.g., Eve and Yvette). God created Adam first from the dust of ground; He then created Eve from Adam’s rib. Eve was created to be Adam’s wife. The Bible says they were naked, yet they were not ashamed. God’s creation of one man and one woman to be husband and wife is the pattern or paradigm for God-sanctioned, normal, moral, blessed sexual relations. “The marriage union is God-ordained, and its sacred precincts must not be polluted by the intrusion of a third party, of either sex” (F. F. Bruce).
Jesus Christ quoted Genesis 2:24 as clear proof that polygamy (having more than one wife) and divorce (except in the case of adultery) are condemned by God (Mt. 19:5). The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said that there is only one moral, legitimate outlet for man’s God-given sex drive—marriage (1 Cor. 7:2). Monogamous, heterosexual marriage is the only way to have sex without sin and guilt. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the [marriage] bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4 [all Scriptures NKJV]). Anything contrary to the creation ordinance of marriage between one man and one woman is unacceptable before God and sinful. The Bible condemns all sexual activity outside of monogamous, heterosexual marriage: homosexuality, premarital sex, polygamy, adultery, bestiality and so on. “Let no one deceive you with empty words,” says Paul, “for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Eph. 5:6). "
The Law of God
God’s moral law clearly condemns homosexuality of any kind: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.... If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them” (Lev. 18:22, 20:13). Apologists for homosexuality try to circumvent the clear, unambiguous statements of God’s law with blatant Scripture-twisting and excuse-making arguments.
The New Testament agrees with and confirms the Old Testament’s condemnation of homosexuality. Could any passage of Scripture be more clear in its condemnation of homosexuality than Paul’s statement found in the first chapter of Romans: “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;...who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Rom. 1:24-28, 32)
All that said, how does a nation in New Testament times, without benefit of a prophet proclaiming imminent judgment, know when of if God will judge it? By His word. Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."
His Word says what is expected of us, for marriage, for government, for moral behavior, for worship and for the priority of God in our lives. In effect, the written Word delivered via the Holy Spirit's inspiration and by Jesus is the prophetic voice of old as the prophets used to proclaimed judgment.
The following essay answers the question "When does God Judge a Nation?"
"Every day the headlines get worse and the future bleaker. My immediate thought was: Is God judging America? Ascribing God's judgment to a person, event, or country can be a precarious endeavor. We live in a fallen world and therefore bad things sometimes happen just because of sinful human nature. However, nothing happens unless God allows it or He causes it to occur. In biblical times a prophet made it clear that God's judgment was coming. He gave the Canaanites 400 years to repent (they didn't). He gave the city of Nineveh 40 days to repent (they did). He told Abraham that if He could find just ten righteous men in Sodom and Gomorrah He wouldn't destroy it (He couldn't). He used the Babylonian Empire to carry out His judgment against a rebellious Israel who wasn't obeying His land Sabbath laws (Leviticus 25:1-8; Jeremiah 25:8-9,11,29:10; II Chronicles 36:20-21). This judgment resulted in the destruction of the Jews' first temple and led to their seventy-year captivity by the Babylonians. Of course the biggest judgment (aside from judging His Son Jesus Christ for our sins) God wrought was when He destroyed the earth with a flood. Are there biblical principles we can use to discern as to when events may be a judgment of God?"
The essay goes on to illustrate in biblical detail why and when God judges nations. Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed for homosexuality and wickedness, laziness and selfishness (Ezekiel 16:49-50; Leviticus 18:22-25).
Nineveh was destroyed for wickedness, though it is not detailed which wickedness. (Jonah 1:1-2)
Canaanites were judged but this principle shows that God allows a period of time for repentance, for warnings,and finally for their wickedness to come full measure. (Genesis 15:13-16). In their case it was 400 years. In Nineveh's case it was 40 days.
Israel was judged and went into captivity for ignoring God's laws about giving the land rest. (Jeremiah 25:7-11)
The world was judged when evil was so great upon the earth and man was thinking only evil continually.(Genesis 6:5-7)
"God's judgment will come when the wickedness of a nation's behavior (or the world's behavior in the Flood's case) and the evilness of its reasoning crosses the line of God's tolerance."
The essay concludes with one more principle of when God judges:
I want to mention one last biblical principle concerning the judgment of God. This has to do with flaunted or public sin. There are different attitudes people can have when they sin. Some are ashamed of their sins and try to hide them. Others flaunt their sins before man and God because they have no shame in committing them. All sin is destructive but God looks at the heart (I Samuel 16:7)."
Ananias and Sapphira lied directly to the Holy Spirit, flaunting their sin of greediness. A rebellious attitude of flagrant sin will not be tolerated in individuals nor in nations.
Please understand that where America is now is in a place of severe precipice, her toes even over the edge of the abyss. Making an ordinance of homosexual marriage, rejecting the even moderately moral and ethical man Romney is, making a platform of child sacrifice, never mind the financial sins of laziness, welfare, greediness, and power abuse, our sins have piled up so high we cannot see the top of the pile even with a telescope. God will judge America, as He will judge all nations. The only questions is how close is it.
It is my personal opinion that our judgment is near, that the election was one last chance to refuse immorality and perversity. To reject the God-rejecters and to embrace an agenda that is a bit more Godly than the one American finally embraced. I personally believe Hurricane Sandy was a warning in the face of this nation's imminent - and very likely her last - decision.
What will this judgment include? One only needs to look at the bible to see the many ways He judges. Will we be attacked like Israel was and carried off in captivity to a stronger military power?
Will we undergo a severe, city-flattening earthquake? (Amos 1:1, Zechariah 14:5).
Will He send drought and famine? Will he send war? Will He do all of the above?
We do not know. But one thing we do know, as sure as His promises of judgment for rebellion against Him are sure, He also will keep His promise as the Great Shepherd and love and care for each of His sheep.
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)
'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them" (Ezekiel 34:11)
If you awoke today depressed and dejected because the news, well, we have a right to be. I am dejected too. But what I am sad for are the vast majority of the people who do not know what they are doing, who are lost, blind sheep stumbling around without a shepherd. They are in the cold and do not know it!
We are hurtling headlong toward the cliff, rushing toward the cesspool so many want to dive into.
I am sad for my nation and expecting judgment any time soon. But I know my home is in heaven, and until the Good Shepherd calls me there I will pray for the lost people of this nation. Ceaselessly. Have hope in Him and His ways. He is holy and pure.
It is also amazing that the nation re-elected Obama in this weak economy, something American's don't normally do. Usually they choose the other guy when the economy tanks.
In Maine, the heated battle to approve of homosexual marriage at the ballot box has finally won. It has ben a long and bitter battle, with the Legislature first attempting to pass it, but the people mounted a referendum challenge, and were successful. Then the Judicial system attempted to install it, and the people again mounted a ballot referendum and were successful in holding the line for traditional marriage once again. That back and forth ping pong ball has gone on in Maine for many years, with finally, the ballot box winning out this time in favor of the perverse version of marriage. The LA Times reports-
Homosexual marriage legalization passes in two states
"Maryland and Maine appeared poised to become the first states in the nation to back same-sex marriage at the ballot box Tuesday night, and other gay-marriage measures were on the ballot in Minnesota and Washington. The issue had been before voters 32 times and had been rejected every time. But activists say public opinion has shifted since 2008, when California passed a constitutional amendment reserving marriage for heterosexual couples. A 2010 poll showed that, for the first time, more Americans supported gay marriage than opposed it, and in May, President Obama endorsed same-sex marriage. ... Just three years ago, the state defeated a same-sex marriage bill at the ballot box. But a lengthy campaign to change voters' minds has persuaded some Mainers..."
This next part will be kind of long but I want to offer a biblical grounding for a deep understanding of how dire the spiritual situation is. Please, please read...
This is from a bible analysis of homosexuality. It is by Brian Schwertly of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Waupaca County. It is well worth reading the entire piece. Here are some excerpts:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This is an age of increasing acceptance and approval of homosexuality. Homosexuality is portrayed by many in government, in public education and in our colleges and universities as just one of many normal, legitimate lifestyle choices. Those who oppose the homosexual lifestyle on moral and religious grounds are usually portrayed by the intellectual elite, the media and the entertainment industry as ignorant bigots who are full of hatred, “homophobic,” and so on.It is true that some people hate homosexuals. Some people even engage in “gay bashing.” But it must be remembered that people who engage in such activities are sinning against God; they are not at all living in accordance with the law of Christ. The true Christian loves the homosexual and shows it by treating him in a lawful manner, according to the law of God (1 Jn. 5:3). Slander, violence, hatred and scorn should never be the attitude of a Christian toward the homosexual; Christians should protect homosexuals from personal attack. Yet, while the Christian should love the homosexual by treating him lawfully, he must also love him by being biblically honest with him. A person’s attitude toward homosexuality must not be shaped by our changing, pagan culture but by God’s inspired, infallible revelation, the Bible. The Bible offers hope to the homosexual because it speaks the truth and proclaims forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.
The Creation Ordinance of Marriage
In order to have a proper understanding of human sexuality one must go back to the beginning of mankind. In the beginning God created one man (Adam) and one woman (Eve). God did not create two men (e.g., Adam and Steve) or two women (e.g., Eve and Yvette). God created Adam first from the dust of ground; He then created Eve from Adam’s rib. Eve was created to be Adam’s wife. The Bible says they were naked, yet they were not ashamed. God’s creation of one man and one woman to be husband and wife is the pattern or paradigm for God-sanctioned, normal, moral, blessed sexual relations. “The marriage union is God-ordained, and its sacred precincts must not be polluted by the intrusion of a third party, of either sex” (F. F. Bruce).
Jesus Christ quoted Genesis 2:24 as clear proof that polygamy (having more than one wife) and divorce (except in the case of adultery) are condemned by God (Mt. 19:5). The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said that there is only one moral, legitimate outlet for man’s God-given sex drive—marriage (1 Cor. 7:2). Monogamous, heterosexual marriage is the only way to have sex without sin and guilt. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the [marriage] bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4 [all Scriptures NKJV]). Anything contrary to the creation ordinance of marriage between one man and one woman is unacceptable before God and sinful. The Bible condemns all sexual activity outside of monogamous, heterosexual marriage: homosexuality, premarital sex, polygamy, adultery, bestiality and so on. “Let no one deceive you with empty words,” says Paul, “for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Eph. 5:6). "
The Law of God
God’s moral law clearly condemns homosexuality of any kind: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.... If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them” (Lev. 18:22, 20:13). Apologists for homosexuality try to circumvent the clear, unambiguous statements of God’s law with blatant Scripture-twisting and excuse-making arguments.
The New Testament agrees with and confirms the Old Testament’s condemnation of homosexuality. Could any passage of Scripture be more clear in its condemnation of homosexuality than Paul’s statement found in the first chapter of Romans: “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;...who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Rom. 1:24-28, 32)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All that said, how does a nation in New Testament times, without benefit of a prophet proclaiming imminent judgment, know when of if God will judge it? By His word. Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."
His Word says what is expected of us, for marriage, for government, for moral behavior, for worship and for the priority of God in our lives. In effect, the written Word delivered via the Holy Spirit's inspiration and by Jesus is the prophetic voice of old as the prophets used to proclaimed judgment.
The following essay answers the question "When does God Judge a Nation?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Every day the headlines get worse and the future bleaker. My immediate thought was: Is God judging America? Ascribing God's judgment to a person, event, or country can be a precarious endeavor. We live in a fallen world and therefore bad things sometimes happen just because of sinful human nature. However, nothing happens unless God allows it or He causes it to occur. In biblical times a prophet made it clear that God's judgment was coming. He gave the Canaanites 400 years to repent (they didn't). He gave the city of Nineveh 40 days to repent (they did). He told Abraham that if He could find just ten righteous men in Sodom and Gomorrah He wouldn't destroy it (He couldn't). He used the Babylonian Empire to carry out His judgment against a rebellious Israel who wasn't obeying His land Sabbath laws (Leviticus 25:1-8; Jeremiah 25:8-9,11,29:10; II Chronicles 36:20-21). This judgment resulted in the destruction of the Jews' first temple and led to their seventy-year captivity by the Babylonians. Of course the biggest judgment (aside from judging His Son Jesus Christ for our sins) God wrought was when He destroyed the earth with a flood. Are there biblical principles we can use to discern as to when events may be a judgment of God?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The essay goes on to illustrate in biblical detail why and when God judges nations. Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed for homosexuality and wickedness, laziness and selfishness (Ezekiel 16:49-50; Leviticus 18:22-25).
Nineveh was destroyed for wickedness, though it is not detailed which wickedness. (Jonah 1:1-2)
Canaanites were judged but this principle shows that God allows a period of time for repentance, for warnings,and finally for their wickedness to come full measure. (Genesis 15:13-16). In their case it was 400 years. In Nineveh's case it was 40 days.
Israel was judged and went into captivity for ignoring God's laws about giving the land rest. (Jeremiah 25:7-11)
The world was judged when evil was so great upon the earth and man was thinking only evil continually.(Genesis 6:5-7)
"God's judgment will come when the wickedness of a nation's behavior (or the world's behavior in the Flood's case) and the evilness of its reasoning crosses the line of God's tolerance."
The essay concludes with one more principle of when God judges:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flaunting SinI want to mention one last biblical principle concerning the judgment of God. This has to do with flaunted or public sin. There are different attitudes people can have when they sin. Some are ashamed of their sins and try to hide them. Others flaunt their sins before man and God because they have no shame in committing them. All sin is destructive but God looks at the heart (I Samuel 16:7)."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ananias and Sapphira lied directly to the Holy Spirit, flaunting their sin of greediness. A rebellious attitude of flagrant sin will not be tolerated in individuals nor in nations.
Please understand that where America is now is in a place of severe precipice, her toes even over the edge of the abyss. Making an ordinance of homosexual marriage, rejecting the even moderately moral and ethical man Romney is, making a platform of child sacrifice, never mind the financial sins of laziness, welfare, greediness, and power abuse, our sins have piled up so high we cannot see the top of the pile even with a telescope. God will judge America, as He will judge all nations. The only questions is how close is it.
It is my personal opinion that our judgment is near, that the election was one last chance to refuse immorality and perversity. To reject the God-rejecters and to embrace an agenda that is a bit more Godly than the one American finally embraced. I personally believe Hurricane Sandy was a warning in the face of this nation's imminent - and very likely her last - decision.
What will this judgment include? One only needs to look at the bible to see the many ways He judges. Will we be attacked like Israel was and carried off in captivity to a stronger military power?
Will we undergo a severe, city-flattening earthquake? (Amos 1:1, Zechariah 14:5).
Will He send drought and famine? Will he send war? Will He do all of the above?
We do not know. But one thing we do know, as sure as His promises of judgment for rebellion against Him are sure, He also will keep His promise as the Great Shepherd and love and care for each of His sheep.
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)
'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them" (Ezekiel 34:11)
If you awoke today depressed and dejected because the news, well, we have a right to be. I am dejected too. But what I am sad for are the vast majority of the people who do not know what they are doing, who are lost, blind sheep stumbling around without a shepherd. They are in the cold and do not know it!
We are hurtling headlong toward the cliff, rushing toward the cesspool so many want to dive into.
A very sad morning for America. It is a country I no longer recognize. The good news is Jesus is coming back...soon.
ReplyDeleteHi JMD,
DeleteI agree, the shining lining in all this is that Jesus will be coming soon.
I woke up on the other side of the world this morning and was shocked at the news my husband gave me, along with a cup of coffee to clear the cobwebs. I still feel a bit like when we watched 9/11 play time after time on this country's television station. How could this happen to America!?
ReplyDeleteYet, I also have been saying it for years. The old saying "If God doesn't judge America, He's going to have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah" comes to mind. I've heard, and even repeated it, for probably 30 years or more.
God has given the US plenty of time to repent. He's given the American church at least 40 years to repent and instead we have become even more like the world and deeper in love with the Prosperity Gospel, etc. There are very few churches standing against the flow at this point in America. Unfortunately, the American church has spread her sin and wickedness around the world, infecting the world-wide church.
I am so in agreement - I truly believe Christ is returning very, very soon. And I am so looking forward to that moment and all of eternity afterward. Sometimes I think God allows us to go through hard times like these (and going to get much worse) so that we will TRULY HUNGER and THIRST for Him and for heaven.
I too woke this morning sad and depressed. I asked God to help me deal with these feelings because I was so upset.I felt silly for sitting in my living room with my head buried in my hands sobbing with tears. I too fear for everyone in America who does not know God. We have to pray for our country. I refuse to accept sin as the norm, but I will love and pray for those who do. God will protect His children. He is the Good Shepherd and He will lead us. He will help us lead others to Him as well. God Bless you!! I was encouraged by your words today.
ReplyDeleteI too feel sadness this morning so many have chosen to embrace the ungodliness of this world and are blind. I will continue to pray for those lost.
ReplyDeleteI'm just sick today. I thought we had it in the bag. The night was good then it took a turn. And now Valerie Jarret is out to take revenge against all who came up against this D.C. individual. I know God is in control. I just don't know what will happen now.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThank you again for all of your daily posts. You have been such an incredible encouragement! Your use of appropriate, timely Scriptures brings me back here several times a day.
I so yearn to be home with our Savior, but also pray that many more will be brought into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ this side of the HARPAZO.
Robert
Hi Robert! And hello JMD, the Anonymouses, and Kelly,
DeleteThank you for encouraging me! I love His word so much I pray that at least some iota of something here will help someone along in their walk. His word is SUCH GREAT ARMOR!
Though Obama is a judgment upon us, I am sure, things will get worse for all of us, and almost immediately too. I was expecting a large earthquake today and there was one: a 7.4 off Guatemala.
But what a great savior who keeps shaking us. Haggai 2:7. But we can't be like the overripe figs which fall into the mouth of the eater when a shaking wind comes! (Nahum 3:12). We have to stay connected to the tree, which is Jesus. We will not be moved, will we?! He is a mighty rock in a weary land.
Hey Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI agree that America is in a state of decline, but I have to be honest about a few things. Your comment about the financial sins of "laziness and welfare" is rubbing me the wrong way. Who is it exactly that has been lazy? There is no more hope for America because it is hopelessly divided. In all honesty, there is no future for the Republican Party because it has been so exclusionist. I actually considered voting for Romney because I don't support the movement that the Democratic Party is pushing. Then I heard those comments that Romney made about the 47%. I already had an idea in my mind about how Romney felt about certain people that he considered to be beneath him, but I had decided not to assume. Then I heard it straight from the horses mouth. I'm not going to vote for a party that thinks so little of entire groups of people. In my opinion, the Republican Party is just as corrupt as the Democratic. The irony is that they consider themselves to be the party of morals. The mormon christian was going to save this nation for God. Can someone spot the oxymoron in that last statement?
Brittany
Hi Brittany,
DeleteThanks for your comment :)
Laziness is a sin. God judges it. There are many bible verses warning us not to become slothful. Prob 26:15, Hebrews 6:12, Ecc 10:18, Prov 15:19, 1 Tim 5:13...
We are told throughout the bible to care for society's most vulnerable; children, the poor and the widows. As for that last verse, Paul was reminding Timothy that even in Christian care, if a widow was young enough to remarry, she should, otherwise she would tend to continue to accept handouts and go from house to house, gossiping and spreading trouble.
There were qualifications for going on the dole, too. You didn't just show up and expect it. There was an age requirement, a behavioral requirement, and a morals requirement. We do not have that today. Anyone who shows up with their hand out gets it. Imagine if the Government were to institute that today! There would be riots!
That verse is a wise one, letting us remember once again that man's tendency is to stop working when given a chance. A body in motion tends to stay in motion, a body at rest tends to stay at rest. So Paul said to Timothy to get the young widows off the welfare rolls ASAP.
As for America, welfare has jumped 32% under Obama's 1st term. I am not talking about lazy people who have worked in the past and are looking for work and honestly cannot find it. I am commenting about the sin of sloth, people who accept handouts when they are able to work, and long after they could have done something about their circumstance. The bible tells us to have personal responsibility for our finances, while at the same time reminding us to have charity to those who are in need.
Who are these lazy people, exactly? Well, the UK Telegraph newspaper had a piece a day ago exploring that, the rise of American laziness and what it has to do with the economy...and Mitt Romney. The author wrote:
"Mitt Romney can stop America's slide into lazy European-style social democracy"
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/thomaspascoe/100021123/mitt-romney-can-stop-americas-slide-into-lazy-european-style-social-democracy/
"America is the last nation in the West in which acting right is more important than living well, and conversely its economic success derives from this because a herculean work ethic is inherent in this view."
I think it is obvious that the teeter-totter scales have shifted from herculean work ethic to living well on the basis of entitlement.
Obama himself called Americans lazy: http://news.yahoo.com/romney-criticizes-obamas-lazy-ceos-211143949.html
Look at Greece, entitled people in a huge welfare state rioting and in revolution over austerity measures even as their nation is collapsing around them.
A Christian blogger wrote today, "In other words, last night’s vote demonstrates one fundamental evil that has overtaken our society. Today’s voter is unimpressed by the biblical ethic of work and responsibility; neither is he too ashamed to engage in systematic theft. We have become Greece. Only a nation of wicked thieves could have produced last night’s results."
Sin always rises and it always brings more sin. If a person in Paul's day would tend to take advantage of the dole and remain on it long after they should, how much more would a person today stay on the dole long after they should?
I'm very sorry my comment about our US welfare state rubbed you the wrong way. I honestly and personally believe that we have grown lazy and getting more so, partly because it is the human condition to sin more and more, and we are- and also because that has been my observation after 5 decades of watching. Obama only exemplifies the condition by being a mirror to people who want to take without working for it.
Hey Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteLet me first apologize because I spoke out of anger instead of love. Ironically, that is the very thing that I was trying to condemn. I guess I did a poor job of conveying it. I guess I was tuning into the undertones in your article. I am difinitely not saying that you did this on purpose. I know that you aren't like that. It's just that with the current political landscape, certain words are extremely charged. Everyone may not pick up on it though. I'll give you an example that we both can relate to. Left-leaning politicians will make a speech and somewhere in it slip in something along the lines of "americans should have equal rights and we won't stand for intolerance blah blah blah". Did you hear that dog whistle? As a christian I might think, "they're supporting homosexuality." However an illegal immigrant might think, "they're supporting me." Actually any
minority probably thinks that statement was for them. A feminist is probably simultaneously convinced that the politician said that in support of women's rights. Of course, any homosexuals couldn't be told otherwise that the comment wasn't made in support of them. In reality, it could be all of these things. Most likely the politician was being crafty and did it on purpose. It's a way of saying something that may not be the most popular opinion, without having to full on claim it. They didn't even have to say the word homosexuals and risk losing support. The intended audience still received the message though. Everyone else did as well. Although they can't say "they're supporting blah people", because it can't be proved. They technically didn't endorse anyone. My ears picked up on some dog whistles that you may or may not be aware of. I will give you the benefit of the doubt though because I don't think you're that kind of person. I'm going to cut this short because it's getting pretty long. I may e-mail you later on though.
thanks
Brittany
Sister Elizabeth and others,
ReplyDeleteI would like to add this commentary to the replies left here and ask all to consider these words and reply as the Spirit leads. I think that this is spot on and regardless what our political leanings are, we should take this to heart. This was posted on WAVA's website, which is a local Christian radio station in the Washington DC area. God Bless you all!:
www.wava.com/crosswalk_story1
Allan
Allan, this is excellent. Very good words and a good reminder I personally took to heart. I needed to read it. thank you!
DeleteYou're very welcome Elizabeth. May God continue to bless you and your blog ministry. It has been blessing to me and many others. Keep doing the Lord's work.
DeleteYours in Christ
Allan