
Let’s have a heart-to-heart conversation about something important – how Christians can play a role in making America great again. You see, there was a time when God and Christian values were deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society – in government, schools, workplaces, and families. But over the years, things have changed, and not necessarily for the better.
You might be wondering why this shift occurred. Well, it’s a complex issue with many contributing factors. Cultural shifts, changes in societal norms, and a gradual drift away from biblical principles have all played a part. In addition, the influence of secularism and the marginalization of Christianity in public spaces have led to a decline in the prominence of Christian values in our society.
But here’s the thing – God’s word remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His truth and principles are timeless and unchanging, regardless of shifting cultural tides. So, if we’re looking to make America great again by restoring Christian values, we need to look to God’s word as our guide.
So, what does it look like to get back to the Christianity of past years while still being relevant to today’s culture? It starts with a commitment to live out our faith authentically and boldly in every area of our lives. It means standing firm on biblical truth, even when it’s unpopular or counter-cultural.
Let’s take a look at some examples from the Bible where the Christian community as a whole fell away from God, the results of falling away, and how they came back to God:
1. The Israelites: Throughout the Old Testament, we see the cycle of the Israelites falling into sin and idolatry, experiencing the consequences of their disobedience, and then repenting and returning to God. In Judges 2:10-23, for example, the Israelites turned away from God to worship other gods, leading to oppression and hardship. But when they cried out to God in repentance, He raised up judges to deliver them and restore them to Himself.
2. The Church in Ephesus: In Revelation 2:1-7, Jesus addresses the church in Ephesus, commending them for their hard work and perseverance but rebuking them for forsaking their first love – their love for God. He urges them to repent and return to their initial love and devotion to Him.
3. The Church in Laodicea: Similarly, in Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus rebukes the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm in their faith – neither hot nor cold. He urges them to repent and return to Him wholeheartedly, promising fellowship and restoration for those who respond.
So, what can we learn from these examples? When the Christian community as a whole fall away from God, the results are often detrimental – spiritual decline, moral decay, and societal unrest. But when individuals and communities repent and return to God, He is faithful to forgive, restore, and bring about transformation.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” The patterns of spiritual decline and revival we see throughout history are not new phenomena but rather cyclical patterns that have repeated themselves time and again.
In light of this truth, it’s clear that the responsibility falls on the Christian community to take action and lead by example. Just as the followers in the examples above had to make a decision to repent and prioritize God, so too must we as believers take ownership of our spiritual condition and the condition of our communities.
It’s tempting to place blame on society or the lost for the state of our world, but as Christians, we’re called to take a hard look in the mirror and examine our own hearts and actions. Are we truly living out our faith in a way that honors God and reflects His love to those around us? Are we prioritizing prayer, repentance, and revival in our own lives and communities?
Repentance is not just about acknowledging our sins; it’s about turning away from them and turning back to God with a renewed commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly. It’s about making intentional changes within our own hearts, families, churches, and communities that align with God’s will and His Word.
So, let’s stop pointing fingers and instead focus on what we can control – our own response to God’s call to repentance and revival. Let’s commit to making God a priority in our lives and actively seeking His guidance and direction in all that we do. And as we do so, let’s trust that God will honor our obedience and use us to bring about positive change in our world, one heart and one community at a time.
While it’s true that we may not be able to force the Bible and its values back into schools, workplaces, or government institutions, we can certainly make a profound impact by prioritizing God in our own families and personal relationships. As Christian parents, aunts, uncles, and godly grandparents, we have a unique opportunity to influence the next generation by making God a priority in our homes.
It starts with intentional conversations about faith, prayer, and the importance of living according to God’s Word. We can create an atmosphere in our homes where God is not just talked about, but actively sought after and revered. By modeling a vibrant and authentic faith in our own lives, we demonstrate to our children and grandchildren what it means to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Furthermore, as adults, we can boldly and unashamedly live out our faith in every area of our lives – at work, in church, within our friendships, and within our families. When we consistently reflect Christ’s love, grace, and truth in our actions and attitudes, we become a powerful influence for good wherever we go.
When our homes become a breeding ground for faith and our lives reflect the transformative power of the Gospel, we naturally begin to impact the world around us. Our children carry that influence into their schools and social circles. Our coworkers and peers witness the difference Christ makes in our lives. Our communities see the love of God at work in tangible ways.
So, while we may not be able to enact sweeping changes in institutions overnight, we can start right where we are – in our own homes and personal lives. By prioritizing God, living out our faith boldly, and investing in the next generation, we can make a lasting and meaningful impact for Christ in every sphere of society. And as we do so, we trust that God will use our efforts to bring about His purposes and glorify His name.
As we seek to make America great again by restoring Christian values, let’s heed the call to return to God wholeheartedly. Let’s prioritize prayer, repentance, and revival in our own lives and communities. Let’s stand firm on biblical truth and boldly live out our faith, making a positive impact for Christ in our culture. And let’s trust that God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, will honor our obedience and bring about lasting change for His glory.
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