Even 2 out of 3 is still not enough

Over the past few days, an email has resurfaced encouraging all Americans to pray for the country. The oft cited text for a nation that has strayed from God is 2 Chronicles 7:14. That verse states,"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." I would not challenge the need to pray and offer no argument against that, but it is going to take much more than that to fix the problems in this country. Even a cursory reading of the text clearly marks 3 steps that are required to gain forgiveness and healing from above.

The first is for people to humble themselves and pray. One need only look at the vast number of churches in this country and follow the trail of prayer warriors everywhere to see this happening. Yet, in spite of the efforts of the millions praying, nothing seems to improve. Why? The problems continue not because of what is being done, but rather from failing to embrace the other needed changes in order to find restoration at the hands of God. Note the second item is to seek God's face. In a nation obsessed with the pursuit of wealth, youth, and power, the 'seeking' takes place only for the betterment of the individual. Seeking his face would put each individual in the submissive and secondary role of 'loving a neighbor as ourselves'. In some places that occurs, but the abundance of hungry, homeless, tired, needy people suggests we have much more to do in seeking him. Then, finally, we are compelled to turn from our wicked ways. As a nation, we've chosen to seek out the 'legality' of what we do over the Biblical standards of moral propriety concerning what we should do. On demand abortion, homosexual marriages, and rampant sexual immorality permeate all levels society without regard to social class or standing extending through to the leaders both in and out of the church clearly showing the depths of wickedness to which we've fallen.

Change will come to America when, as a nation, we are willing to carry through the full calling of the gospel in obedience and love. We can not hide behind the veil of grace as protection from the sin we introduce into the world. Paul, in his letter to Corinth tells us,( 1 Corinthians 11:32)When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. In short, I believe America is under God's judgement and God's people are being disciplined by Him. Whether we will continue to survive as a nation will rest in how we finish the tasks set forth in 2 Chronicles to come out from under that judgement -- and 2 out of 3 won't be enough to protect us.