Since America’s inception in 1620, God has always been the One whom the country’s citizens relied on and whom they followed. Most knew, and many followed, His written commandments in the Bible. His standards enabled people to dwell together
There was always a clear understanding of what was right and what was wrong, as many laws and practices were derived from biblical principles. Crimes were quickly recognized and quickly dealt with. It was understood that if the violation of law went undealt, it would not be a deterrent for future law-breaking. Laws were made and followed.
The butchering of unborn babies would not have been even considered fifty years ago. Torture was something the ungodly did, not a Christian nation. Work was something that people were proud to do, and it was a shame not to have a job, or to even take someone else’s aid when one was not employed.
There were clear understandings of the differences in sexes and their abilities and responsibilities. Marriage was special, and most decent folks would not even consider pre-marital sex as they knew it could lead to social ruin, lack of respect, and other shameful situations.
Teachers were known for their outstanding, moral examples and their decisions and discipline were rarely questioned. Police were honored and respected. Citizens were usually treated equally as a whole, and not different treatments for different groups. Christians usually were better examples of behavior and examples for those facing difficulties, because they followed biblical principles.
After having clearly defined social standards for centuries, something changed. One by one the standards were slowly eroded. Perhaps they were ignored because those guilty of doing something not socially accepted ignored ridicule or publicly encouraged others to accept their sin. Soon convicting consciences no longer had control of people’s characters, and people did what changing standards allowed. Moral boundaries were moved further to the left or obliterated completely.
It was not long until unprincipled people gained governmental powers. They helped society legislate what was once recognized as immoral. These leaders passed unbiblical laws. Perhaps it was just a means to get more votes, but it pushed overall morality further down the slope of decline. The public allowed these changes to occur and often did not even balk about such legislation.
Since moral standards were lowered, many immoral philosophies crept into public bully-pulpits such as schools, newspapers, internet sites, radio, and television. Thoughts that were previously taboo were now the center of television programs and movies. Away from parental control and knowledge, public education became a means of indoctrination of unbiblical philosophies.
Saturation of social input continued to corrupt and confuse morality. Forbidden practices were often initially introduced in comedy television programs. Soon what earlier was unmentionable activities, were now giggled at and accepted more readily. Homosexuality, drunkenness, adultery, law-breaking, and other sins gained acceptance by constant brainwashing on television, movies, and even video games. Those once forbidden practices were now no longer “bad”; they were “entertainment”.
After decades of watered-down morality and social engineering, a nation emerged that did not know what was right and wrong. Men, women, and children now do what is right in their own eyes, as the moral compass God left for man to succeed was discarded.
“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 17:6. Also: Job 32:1, Prov.12:15, Prov. 16:2, Prov. 21:2.
This is why our country and the world are in the situation they are in today. Murder is not the fault of guns, nor is it totally the abortion clinic’s fault for butchering millions of young babies. It also is not totally the fault of some chemicals that there are so many addictions. One cannot blame the government for not having enough laws to stop or curb out-of-control crime.
The fault for man’s decline falls rightly on each man, woman, and child for not knowing and obeying God’s preserved truths. Society will always fail when God’s roadmap through life is ignored! Only if His Word is believed and followed will mankind find His way again!
“Most often, today’s ‘morality’ is yesteryear’s immorality! Morality’s measuring tool has been altered!” — Bill Brinkworth
brother. i say amen . well put.
It’s the old “How do you boil a frog? issue…incrementalism. By dropping our standards one little bit at a time over the last 40-50 years, we are turning the heat up on the pot. Soon the water will be boiling. It’s at the brink now. We need another Great Awakening in our dear country! You are absolutely correct, Bro. Brinkworth, that it starts with every man, woman, and child reading the Bible and knowing God’s truth for themselves.
The church as a whole has truly lost its way because it has forgotten its purpose – to preach the gospel and see people saved. We see this in part with several “tv evangelists” who are seeking or have sought large amounts of money for private jets. I wonder how Paul managed without one! As the world has drifted away from God at an ever increasing pace the church has followed along, rather than standing firm on the word of God. May we purpose in our hearts to remain faithful to God and to be faithful witnessing to others the marvelous grace of God.