For those of us who have been around for a while, it becomes increasingly obvious that the only thing that never changes is the fact that nothing stays the same. Some changes may be beneficial, but the change that is in the wind today is destroying our Republic and the freedoms that it affords us. Our forefathers were agreed: “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters. (Benjamin Franklin, 1787)” “Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical (hoped for, but impossible to achieve) idea. (James Madison, 1788)”
Anyone who is paying attention can clearly see that what was once considered virtuous in America is now despised by those whose morals and ethics, like a weathervane, change with every wind of doctrine. As a result of our depleted virtue, we are on the threshold of a new norm, a new paradigm for social, economic and political life in America. The words of the prophet Isaiah help us to put it in a biblical perspective, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)”
So what can we who love freedom and virtue do? We can pray; “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)” We can renew our sense of virtue by returning to the Word of God. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly… But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1–2).
If things continue as they are, we will need special grace to endure the painful change that is in the wind. But not to worry; ours is a God of Grace!