Print

For millions of Americans, the results of Tuesday’s elections marked the doom of our country. For millions of other Americans, had Mrs. Clinton won the election, they would have felt the same way.  From the opposite perspective, some are saying that now our country can get going in the right direction, while others are saying that could only happen had Mrs. Clinton been elected.  But the fact of the matter is, regardless of what direction you believe the country is headed, whether towards doom or greatness, we’re not there yet.

Here is a case in point. Last week I stated in my THOUGHT that the abortion issue was of primary importance to me in deciding for whom to vote.  While we now have a president-elect who says that he is pro-life, he alone cannot change the law of the land on that issue.  And even with the support of a Republican-controlled Congress, the practice of abortion cannot be overturned.  In that the Supreme Court ruled years ago that the practice of abortion is constitutionally permissible, one of two things must take place in order to change that.  Either a constitutional amendment must be adopted prohibiting the practice, or the Supreme Court must reverse its decision.  In order for the Supreme Court to reverse its prior decision, more than likely two justices will need to be appointed who would side with the pro-life position.  In either case, whether by constitutional amendment or a new Supreme Court, an overturn of this hideous practice is at least a couple of years away.

In his victory speech Tuesday night, (actually Wednesday morning) President-elect Trump stated that now is the time to heal our land of its divide and bring the nation together. Had Mrs. Clinton won the election, she undoubtedly would have said the same thing.  I question whether national unity is a real possibility.  The Old Testament prophet Amos asked the question, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)  In order for two to agree with each other, there must be a standard of truth that both recognize as valid.  But we have been told for decades now that there is not a universal or absolute truth.  And those who advocate this, state this “truth” absolutely.  Truth has become relative or personal and, therefore, what is right is only right for me.  Consequently, I have no right to inflict my “truths” upon anyone else if there is no absolute truth.

So if there is no truth that can be agreed upon and truth is the foundation of unity, is there anything that can be done to heal the divide in our nation? Fortunately, Scripture declares an answer.  The apostle Paul writes, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

This passage of Scripture requires three actions of the believer in Jesus Christ (being a preacher requires me to alliterate them):

#1- A Determination of Prayer- Proverbs 21:1 states that the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. God may answer the prayers of the believer by moving the heart of the king.

#2- A Demonstration of Godliness- Why would anyone want to believe in the things I believe unless they saw the evidence of veracity of it manifested in how I live? And that cannot be accomplished by just an hour or so on Sunday morning.

#3- A Declaration of Truth- The passage concludes that it is the desire of God that all men come to the knowledge of the truth. That cannot happen unless all men hear the truth and, therefore, there must be those who will honestly and confidently proclaim it.

While some might disagree with the inclusion of the word “again,” I imagine all would agree with Mr. Trump’s desire to “make America great.” No president or Congress can do that unless the people of this land are bonded together by truth.  We’re not there yet!