Pondering the Principles of Proverbs
We are told to "...speak evil of no one..." (Titus 3:2), and to be "...giving of thanks...for kings and all who are in authority..." (1 Tim. 2:2)
Whenever I mention this to a believer, I am usually told something along the lines of "I'm just trying to get people to wake up." I don't doubt that. I also don't doubt that maybe one or two people might even change their mind based on some of the things revealed.
Is this how we are to bring about change?
How should people of faith respond?
I guess that all depends on whether one's faith is from the mind or from the heart; whether it is something that is a nice thing to talk about, or whether it is something that is lived out in daily experience. Something I began to notice in my first marriage--as it was lived out before me--is that for many, faith is their message, but fear is their motivation. This has proven to be consistent even after the breakup of that relationship.
I have begun using the term "practical atheism" to describe the results of those who espouse having faith in God, but live as if the Lord cannot keep His Word.
And so, we come to this interesting Proverb:
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will. (Pro. 21:1)
Do we have a basis upon which to believe this verse pertains to our situation here in the USA?
I believe we do.
First off, there is this verse which we are considering.
There are examples in the OT such as Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and others of whom it is said that God did with them as it pleased Him.
Then, there is the statement of Jesus to Pilate recorded in John 19:11. Of course, that is a statement of faith as well as a statement of reality.
If these things be true, then the question is obvious: Why? Why are we in this country subjected to the sort of anti-God, immoral agendas of a select few in authority?
Good question.
History shows us that these things usually happen to those who become complacent in their 'goodness' and the Lord must send a wake-up call. (Rev. 3:15-18) We are receiving our wake-up call.
Sadly, about all that is happening so far is the criticism of which I've spoken, and a multitude of believers thinking that if they will quote 2 Chron. 7:14 to enough people, then something will happen. NOTHING will happen until we quit quoting it to others and begin living it ourselves!
Oh, we pray. We humble ourselves. We seek. But, we don't turn from our wicked ways. In that, we are firmly entrenched.
That is why we quote the verse for "others," hoping they will get the message "to repent."
Meanwhile, we go on blithely criticizing our governing officials, unaware that the Lord is neither blind nor sleeping.
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