NO. 1091 - WE CAN'T FLAUNT SIN!
No. 1091
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WE CAN’T FLAUNT SIN!
When I thought about my topic today, “We can’t flaunt sin,” I was reminded of the French nobleman Alexis de Tocqueville, who came to America in the 19th century seeking the reason for our greatness in such a short period of time.
After several months of searching, he came to this conclusion: “I searched for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers -- and it was not there. … In her fertile fields and boundless forests -- and it was not there. … In her rich mines and vast world commerce — and it was not there. … In her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution — and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and found her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
Now, I submit to you that every American should ponder these thoughts and reverently answer this question, “Is America still good?” We know the Bible says, “Where sin abounds, grace abounds still more.” But only when we call on God to forgive our sins, will we truly be blessed. While you may disagree, I believe I can give you the reason why we are having such violence, bloodshed, corruption, scandals, and discord today among far too many of our people. It is because we, as a people, have left the era that de Tocqueville talked about when he said our pulpits were aflame with righteousness.
While most young people won’t know what I am talking about, older people will nod their head in agreement. There was a day in America when our preachers preached against sin and many became known as hell-fire and brimstone preachers. This was in the day when most of our churches were full to overflowing, and most families took their kids to church. When these kids were growing up and heard these fiery preachers, they literally had the “hell” scared out of them. You see, back in those days the youth of America knew they were accountable to God, as well as their parents.
This is a question that I ponder often these days: “Will we ever get back to these times?” Most people do not think we will because they have nothing to compare to, but I know we serve an awesome and great God and He still has his hand on us. I believe with all my heart that when things seem dire enough, we will return to Him. In II Chronicles 7:14 we read, “If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Since we are each held accountable before God as an individual (not as a group or a nation), some people seek to live a holy and righteous life. Others do not, and don’t even pretend to. Again, here is something many people do not believe, regardless of what our personal convictions or beliefs happen to be. We can’t “flaunt” sin and live a Godless life without paying a price.
The Bible says that God hates sin and when we willfully sin, it is like poking Him in the eye. It has been said that “sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” Personally, I tell others that I am a sinner who has been saved by God’s amazing grace. I am so grateful for that.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)
