prosperity

–By Ben Gilmore

[A]ll things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [Rom 8:28]

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [2 Tim 3:16-17]

What exciting times we are experiencing.  In  a short span, we have seen our American society go from prosperity, to devastation (for many), and (artificially) back again, on the heels of fiscal insanity.

We have witnessed tyrannical disregard for the wishes of “We the people”, and the coalescing of a deep seated counter movement across the nation.  Throughout these changes this column has encouraged faith and confidence.  “Faith” that everything the Lord allows to happen to and around us can be used to teach and train us about Him and his best for us.  “Confidence” in the unique foundation upon which He placed our American society.

It appears to me, we are headed for one of two alternatives.  Given: There is evidence of a firm political shift against traditional tax and spend politics:  Tea Parties;  recent Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey elections.

A)  The results of this shift appear to assure Republican majorities in the House and possibly the Senate next November!  All that appeared unlikely, only a year ago!  Such an event will slow, and likely reverse, our plunge into socialism, and the loss of individual and corporate liberty.

Given: Those who have taken “Liberalism” in its many forms into their bosoms as their true religion (i.e. The most significant thing in their lives.), will make any sacrifice to preserve the “advancements” they believe they have made.  They truly believe it to be for our best interests.  Among them, of course, are leaders addicted to the power they now hold.  It is a consuming addiction.

B)  The alternative result of this political shift appears to me to be equally possible.  Those in power will refuse to voluntarily relinquish it.  Uncharted territory for our American republic, at least in our past few generations.  How that refusal will manifest, is pure speculation at this point.

Our response, to either alternative should be the same:  faith & confidence.

Should liberalism lose legislative power, we have a massive re-education task at hand.  We will be tempted to pridefully take credit for the overflow of public sentiment.  Overlooking the fervent prayers for the hand of God to intervene in our behalf.  In “our success” we may fail to learn and apply the proven Principles of American Government we neglected, which allowed us to fall so low!  Without faith in God’s hand, and confidence in His principles, we will lose the opportunity He has given us and drift again.

Should those in power ignore law and seek to establish tyranny as was done in Nazi Germany, we will again be called upon for faith & confidence.  Faith that the hand of God will respond to the fervent prayers of American believers.  Confidence in the Judeo-Christian foundations of our American society.  The question is not, “Is this a Christian nation?”  The fact is, “THIS NATION HAS A CHRISTIAN FORM.”  That foundation is unique to our society.  I believe it will be the difference between European and American efforts to impose tyranny.

Thus – In either case:  We must turn to the Lord for our strength and guidance —  AND — We MUST learn again, the forgotten principles that make our American Christian Constitutional Republic function properly.