Ramon Arias | April 4, 2016
How do you define the term “greatest”? We are constantly told America is the greatest country in the history of the world. Millions of people who want to come here agree and do all they can to arrive to this land legally or illegally.
There is some truth to the idea of America’s greatness if it is limited to the material development of the society and their contribution to the world. However, Western Europe, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Russia and other developed nations will dispute that because they too see themselves as great. If we say we are the freest nation in the world, many countries will debate that too.
In all honesty, how can we say that 21st century America is the greatest country in the world when we show all the symptoms of a decadent culture on the verge of collapse? At present, no one in their right mind can deny that our moral decline speaks volumes. That alone is enough to make us no different than any other nation in the world; this is a hard pill to swallow because one day we will have to reckon with this truth, and I sincerely hope and pray it’s not too late for America.
Don’t take me wrong. I know America started with a foundation of greatness, but we are far removed from it. The first step for getting out of any mess is to acknowledge the true condition of the matter. Denial of a real danger is delusional thinking. This is easier said than done, especially when we cling to bygone times or think that someday things will be better just by hoping them into existence or having faith in an alternate plan without actually working at it.
Valid hope and faith are sustained upon solid ideas that can lead us out of cultural darkness. This presents another problem, whose ideas of hope and faith will we choose that will give the best, proven results? This is where the rubber meets the road.
Until we recognize that America’s backbone is being removed piece by piece, and that the social body is collapsing, we are going to continue to believe the lies we have always been fed. What part of society can survive with daily dosages of lies? History’s answer is—absolutely none! Lies will never make a person or society and its institutions great, never!
However, there is hope for America! She can truly be greater than ever if the meaning and application of God’s laws are restored. It is not hard to notice that the biblical standards have been eroded. Without God’s moral standards as a backbone—human behavior is without restraint and will continue to create havoc due to its lawlessness.
A lawless society is one that embraces sinful behavior because it accepts it as normal. What good can we expect out of that? Nothing! Sin is dreadful. John, the apostle, in his writings has this to say about sin: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1John 3:4)
Sin defiles God’s law and if a person, and a society, transgresses the inviolable law of God they come under His condemnation. Societies may brag about their laws of political correctness but in reality they are leading toward madness because they break the irreversible laws of God and they then become outlaws. All outlaws must be brought to justice.
Jesus’ death on the cross is the link for humanity to reconcile with God and His form of government. Repentant lawbreakers find acceptance in Christ’s atonement. To separate Christ’s work on the cross from the law of God is cultural suicide.
God’s law is of the utmost importance. Otherwise, Jesus had no reason to come to earth if man’s laws can perfect us to make individuals and nations great.
God is the legislator for the individual, family, church, civil government, economics, arts, entertainment, education, and every aspect of life. To function properly as a society we must follow His blueprint and operation manual—the Bible.
Next time you hear about how great our nation is don’t forget that God is the one who measures greatness or the lack thereof; I guarantee you that America is not doing too well at the present time. In looking at where we are as a nation and assessing the current situation, put on your biblical glasses to get the big picture so no one can deceive you.
“The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.”
-Calvin Coolidge