Certain days are forever etched in our minds-days such as 9-11. That tragic event reminds us that we have enemies, perhaps more than any nation on earth. Why? America is the most tolerant, kind, and generous nation in the world yet we are hated. Why do so many want to see our demise? We could talk about that for a long time, discussing various theories, and that might be profitable. But there’s another, more pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
Our worst enemy and greatest threat comes from within. Certain American citizens, some in high places, want to destroy the America we know and love. While the very mention of the word “America” brings certain good thoughts and warm feelings to us, others think differently. They are repulsed by the very things we love about America. And they are working feverishly to destroy the things we hold dear. What I say next might sound very gloomy and depressing, but don’t stop reading–look at the big picture.
There is a new world order coming. We can hate it and fight against it, but we can’t stop it. Things are headed toward what some call “a one world government”. Every student of the Bible knows it will happen–it’s just a matter of time. In the meantime we must decide what we will do, how we will spend our time and energy. To what cause we will devote ourselves? Shall we dedicate ourselves, to the neglect of all else, to the saving of our country, ditch the whole idea and just eat, drink and be merry, or give ourselves to some other pursuit?
It is well and good that we speak out against evil and the things that would destroy us, but there is something else of even greater importance. We must speak-up for Christ, carry out the great Commission. In other words, serving is more important than surviving. We are not under orders to save the union, nor even to spare our lives, but we are commanded to share the gospel. And here’s the thing–we have to do this in the face of perilous times. By that I mean that we must endure the hardships that come as a result of standing for God and country and declare God’s Word at the same time. That’s difficult. Fulfilling the Great Commission is hard in the best of times and under ideal conditions, but it is much more difficult under adverse circumstances. It’s not so hard to talk to someone about the Lord when people are peaceable, but it gets really difficult when you know you will be hated and persecuted for doing so. That weeds the men out from the boys. It’s a tough assignment, yet we are not excused from duty just because it is difficult.
We in America have been greatly blessed. So far we haven’t had to worry much about persecution, but times are changing and they’re changing fast. For the most part Christians have not had to face the decision to “obey God rather than man”. We have been protected by our founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the U. S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, but now our enemies are at work trying to change them.
So as we reflect on that horrible tragedy of 9-11 let us be reminded of the dangers we face and the need to be ever vigilant, lest our enemies, with-in or with-out, prevail over us. We ought to thank God that there has not been a repeat of that dreadful day, but also remain cautious. Most of all, we need to realize that our greatest security comes from a right relationship with God. We are engaged in a spiritual warfare and able to prevail only by being a righteous people. And we can’t say we haven’t been warned! “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people”.(Proverbs 14:34; “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God”(Psalm 9:17). So as we remember that dreadful day eleven years ago let us not forget that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”(Psalm 46:1).Think about it!
