Written by Pastor Derek Smith Legacy Church, Albuquerque, NM
With the Supreme Court’s ruling that DOMA (Defense Of Marriage Act) is unconstitutional, it should cause every American to reflect on what is truly important in our lives. As a believer in Jesus Christ, it sickens me to see the leadership of this country make decisions that continue to take us further and further away from the Godly principles that we were founded upon. Saying that we didn’t vote for certain leaders offers no consolation as we all bear the burden of the mistakes that our leaders make.
We have developed a culture where you are not allowed to speak your mind for fear of retribution. We have developed a culture where simply quoting scripture is considered offensive to those who disagree with God. The greatest sin that has befallen us as a nation is pride. Pride convinces you that you, and you alone are right and no one can tell you any differently. It is one thing to believe that we know better than our fellow citizens; it is an error on a grander scale to believe that we somehow know better than God.
It would be easy to convince ourselves that all hope is lost on this once great nation. The truth of the matter is that the fate of our country still lies in the hands of the believers. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we are told that “ 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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” That promise is given to you and I. As followers of Jesus, it is our responsibility to humble ourselves, turn from evil, and seek the face of God. It is very common as believers to bemoan the actions of those in the world, but it is on us to once again take the words of God and put them into action. 1 Peter 4:17 says “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” What a great responsibility we have been given. However, on our own we are powerless to fulfill God’s intentions on this earth. Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through Him, we can accomplish His will. May we commit ourselves to seeking God and discerning His will in our lives and in our country. The hope for America is not found in everyone coming together to get along, nor is it found in the promises of a politician. The only hope for America, and for you and I, is found in the life changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
None of us is exempt from suffering some of the backlash that our sin and unrighteousness has created. But I believe with of all my heart that if God is for me, it doesn’t matter who is against me. Instead of asking God to be on our side, the more prudent choice is to position yourself firmly on God’s side. When we, as the church, stand on the side of God we cannot lose – ever.