The Bible says in Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” I’ve been contemplating this verse lately based on the outcome of our most recent elections. Here are a few thoughts…

1. The reward of righteousness – the founding of America

The Bible says here, “Righteousness exalts a nations…” And I believe that this is the only explanation for why America has been so blessed. In fact, it seems that there is no other nation in the history of the world has been so blessed by God as has the United States of America.

Think about it, our national motto is, “In God We Trust.” In our Pledge of Allegiance you find the words, “One nation, under God.” Now, I want to be careful not to over-spiritualize our nation’s founding. But the truth has been so under-reported these days that communicating real history seems to be an over-spiritualization.

• James Madison: Fourth president of the United States and “Chief Architect” of the Constitution. “We have staked our future upon our capacity to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”
• Benjamin Franklin: He was a Deist but recognized the need and benefit of Christianity’s influence. “Whoever introduces into public affairs the principles of…Christianity will change the face of the world.”
• George Washington: On June 1,1774 wrote in his diary, “Went to church and fasted all day.” On his tombstone is engraved John 11:25-26, “I am the Resurrection and the life, saith the Lord. He that believeth in Me, though he were dead yet shall he live.  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
• John Adams: “The destiny of America is to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world.”

Why is this a great country? Because for a time we sought to honor God, show Him respect and give Him glory. The Bible says in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

2. The reproach of sinfulness – the failure of America

“Sin is a reproach to any people.” The word “reproach” means “shame” or “disgrace.”  Isn’t it sad that the very sins we should be ashamed of we now flaunt in pride? Can I be brutally honest? This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, this is a morality issue – it is a spiritual issue. There is no doubt that morality in America is on the decline! And the problems we face are not because we love on political party more than another. It is because we love our sin more than anything else.

The truth is, we have rejected God and embraced wickedness. We have shunned the reward of righteousness and embraced the way of sinfulness. Can this culture survive if the moral decline continues? Can we prosper without the standards of morality built on God’s Word.

3. The result of godlessness – the future of America

In 1949, with piercing diagnosis, the editors of Life magazine said, “The worst enemy western civilization facers is not communism! The worst enemy is within our civilization. The heart of it is secularism. A blunter word is godlessness!”

And what is the result of this godlessness? A nation without a conscience. A nation without a moral compass. A nation that does not know how to blush. A nation that knows no shame.

All of the great civilizations – the Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Mayan – fell from within. There may be great outward threats of nuclear bombs, terrorism, and wild dictators, but this nation’s greatest threat lies within.

The only hope for our godless nation is revival. We must return to God. Jesus is not a Republican or a Democrat; He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And if revival is going to come to this land, it must start in the church.

Where are the people of God who are heartbroken over the condition of this land? Where are the people of God who are desperate for revival? Where are the people of God who are passionate about the lost? Where is the church that wants to change the world?