| (Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio) |
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| What is it about prosperity that opens the door to complacency? Urgency is nonexistent when everything is convenient and within reach. According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Eleventh Edition: Prosperity- “Self-satisfied: especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers; unconcerned.” Simply put, a sense of urgency has no place within the American mindset if life is going well. It has been eight decades since Americans were asked to sacrifice, both in the cost of lives, and personal comforts. The generation of World War II was a far cry from what Americans have become. This is a generation in which people are living longer. Personal incomes provide the ability to satisfy both wants and needs. Sports, movies, video games, music, drugs, alcohol, the occult, and pornography are just a few of the nations’ golden calves. As a pastime, what many Americans view as mere interests are actual addictions people are enslaved by. An aspect of freedom given little consideration to is whether people will face reality or embrace self-made worlds of fantasy. A choice must be made. Reality is cold and hard. It is something everyone will eventually have to face. Fantasy is make believe, easy and embraced by many people, but completely false. Most Americans are completely unaware and unprepared for the future. Dangers are increasing yet ridiculed by people who do not want their personal comfort zones violated. Society is overwhelmed by people who are self-satisfied, oblivious and without a need for one another and God. The God Americans claim to worship reflects the nation’s culture. Due to prosperity and contentment, God is only looked to with urgency when a crisis occurs. Otherwise, he is simply someone many people look to when convenient. It is a double standard and hypocritical. Isaiah 29:13- “The Lord says, ‘These people worship me only with their words. They honor me with what they say, but their hearts are far away from me. Their worship does not mean anything to me (it is completely unrecognized). They teach nothing but human rules that they have been taught (NIRV).’” God is taking note every single day of how people are living. A day of accountability on an individual and national level is coming far sooner than most people realize. Isaiah 29:14- “So once more (history will repeat itself). I will shock people (emotionally and physically) with many wonderful (amazing and astonishing) acts. I will destroy the wisdom of those who think they are wise. I will do away with the cleverness of those who think they are so smart (NIRV).’” Both professing Christians and non-christians alike will soon see who the true God of the Bible is. Americans are about to witness and experience on an individual and national level exactly how God views the American way of life. God deeply desires a complete change in the lives of people. He does not want people to suffer the consequences for disobedience. Joel 7:13-14- “Don’t tear your clothes to show how sad you are (don’t just show outward signs). Let your hearts be broken (deeply repent). Return to the Lord your God. He is gracious. He is tender and kind. He is slow to get angry. He is full of love. He will not bring his judgment. He will not destroy you. (14) Who knows? He might turn toward you and not bring his judgment. He might give you his blessing… (NIRV).” The promise of protection is conditional. Obedience to God must be on his terms. What is not realized by many people is how easily they can believe they are obeying God, but in researching the Bible carefully with an open mind, far more is required than merely believing and talking the talk. |
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