President Abraham Lincoln once said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power" (brainyquote.com). An ancient biblical proverb says, "Two things I ask of you (God) . . . give me neither poverty or riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:7-9).
The
idea conveyed is having little or much can affect the character of a person . .
. and a nation. The United States has
seen both. In her early years she had
little, while in modern times she has had much.
Today, the U.S. is the leader in innovation, has the greatest university
system, the world’s most powerful military, the largest economy and provides
unequaled human freedoms.
Since
the late 1800’s, which began the industrial age, America has seen incredible growth
and I believe this success has changed America’s character. Her pride has grown into arrogance. Her increased knowledge has questioned the
need for God. Her advancements in
technology have made her like a god and her hi-tech weapons have replaced God’s
protection.
The
principle of abundance leading to a denial of God is a predictable
pattern. When riches, power and success
mount there is a quiet shifting of the heart and soul of a nation that when left
unchecked leads to its downfall.
What
is America’s greatest enemy? Ourselves. The lure of money and power is becoming our Great
Destroyer. Its deceptive appeal has caused
us to think too highly of ourselves. It
has created a false sense of security bringing us to believe we are a nation
that is indestructible and indispensable to the world. We have been willingly seduced by prosperity
giving birth to the illicit children of ease, complacency and immorality.
What
shall we do? Let us examine our ways and
not walk the paths of other nations. Let
us learn from the downfall of Ancient Empires like Rome, Egypt, Greece and the once
vast British Empire. America’s future is
up to its own citizens. Will we trust in
ourselves or Almighty God? The answer
determines our national destiny. Let us
turn to Christ and may He be the hope of our nation.
