God Bless America?

~~On the heels of the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage this week, the internet and blogosphere are overrun with articles for or against this ruling. While gay marriage and homosexuality are sins, these are not the only sins that should be focused upon. I think that they get the spotlight more often because this is involving a lifestyle. The truth of the matter that has to be realized, is that all sin will result in destruction not just the ones that we seem to highlight.

All throughout scripture we see the consequences for sin. Adam and Eve were kicked out of the garden and lost their perfect relationship with God (Genesis chapter 3). King David, a man after God’s heart had to face the consequences of sin (adultery with Bathsheba and murdering Uriah). As a result of this, his family would live by the sword (II Samuel 12:10), his household would rebel against him (II Samuel 12:11), his wives would be taken by other men and his sin exposed before all of Israel (II Samuel 2:11-12).  Israel was allowed to be taken captive by their enemies when they set up idols and sinned against the Lord, (II Kings 17:7-23).
So how in the world do we as Americans think that God will bless this country? As I’ve said on several occasions, it is sheer arrogance and an entitlement attitude that makes people think this way. Asking God to bless sin is like spitting in His face. In other words, we are telling him that we are going to continue to demand our rights to abortion, gay marriage, witchcraft, hatred, racism, pornography, greed, etc., but He should still bestow His blessings upon us. Even though we as a nation have chosen to turn our backs on God, the feel good false prophets continue to prophesy that all is well and blessing and abundance is in the future for us. This is contrary to God’s word.  Sin comes with a hefty price tag. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:23 (KJV).

I think that much of the problem is because most people don’t know the true character of God. Yes, God is loving, long suffering, merciful and kind. Most focus on those characteristics, but fail to see that God is righteous, holy, and just. Because He is just, He has to punish unrepentant sin.  An unrepentant America does deserves judgement and it is right for God to bring judgement on this country. I know that I sound extremely harsh in saying this but this is the truth and I will not apologize for it. We see an example of this in Revelation 19:2 where there is rejoicing in heaven after Mystery Babylon is destroyed through judgement. “For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand,” (KJV).

Instead of crying out in repentance, many are crying out for God to bless me with more stuff, more comfort and it’s all about me. The prevailing attitude is, as long as me and mine are fine, who cares about anyone or anything else. We don’t need more stuff; we need an attitude adjustment. God uses judgement to get our attention. Sometimes the only way to get our attention is to strip away the idols that have captivated us.

As followers of Jesus we should hate and grieve over sin. Psalms 97:10 says, “Hate evil, you who love the Lord…..” (KJV). To the contrary, many Christians are more than happy to participate in and be entertained by sin without batting an eye. It’s more than evident by the movies, television shows, and entertainment that they choose to engage in.This is grievous to the Lord and those that participate in this will be held accountable.  I Peter 4:17 clearly states, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”(KJV).  In light of the choices that have been made, over the last several decades, our prayer should not be God bless America but rather God have mercy on us.