Here is where I stop talking about America as a whole. But first, I do not want to diminish the work of non-Christians in trying to fix our nations mistakes. There are plenty of good individuals and organizations working for the good of the people around them. They are using their talents and gifts to serve others. They aren't motivated by greed and self, but the overall well-being of others. Their efforts should be praised, and Christians shouldn't fear to come alongside them. Praise God for people such as these who are living proof of His grace!
However, their efforts can only go so far. To go with Cal Thomas' quote, their attempts can alter the reflection of our decadence, but they won't transform the root. And the transformation of the root is where the cry for the followers of Christ can be heard the loudest.
The Bible is clear what the root problem is (Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 5:18-19, Romans 3 to name a few). Government can't fix sin. Programs can't fix sin. Individuals can't fix sin. Jesus Christ is the only one who can fix sin. And praise God, He already has through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection!
We tend to lose this focus. Our aim at welcoming God back into our nation's operations is through petitions, elections, letters, and debates (all of which should compliment, but never supplement the gospel). Again, we should desire laws which reflect God's character and desires. But more than that, we should desire people with transformed hearts.
Our primary focus must be planting the gospel into every aspect of our culture. It is the only way it can be redeemed. Two examples from Scripture make this point clear.
In 2 Kings 22-23, the High Priest finds the book of the law among the temple ruins. He reads it and repents. From there he goes to King Josiah, but not to ask him to change the laws to reflect what he read. Instead, he reads it to Josiah who also repents. From there, they read the book before all the people who have their sin exposed by the truth, and respond with repentance. And the overall result is a massive transformation of culture. Nothing is left untouched by the truth of God's Word. Business changes, worship changes, government changes, and live are changed through the power of God's Spirit. Reforms were made by Josiah, but the reforms were a result of new hearts bent towards pleasing God.
In Jonah 3, we see a very similar event. Jonah is told to preach judgment upon the city. After a few self-inflicted detours, Jonah finally ends up in Nineveh. His message is simple, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown! And yet, the results are astounding. First, all the people mourn and fast over their sin. Then the kings hears of what's happening and follows suit. From top to bottom, people are transformed by God's Word. And we see another transformation of culture. God is made the top priority of every individual, which filters into how everything else is conducted. Nothing escapes the transformation power of the gospel.
I could also use examples from the New Testament. Peter saw thousands respond to the message of the gospel on Pentecost. Paul saw church after church turn away from idols and slavery to sin because of Christ. The books of Acts is filled with many more examples of cultural transformation due to the good news of Jesus Christ.
And this is the message, Christians are called to declare to everyone around us. Instead of throwing fits about the atrocities going on around us, we should take action the way God's Word tells us to. Share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and see what happens. We don't serve a weak God. He will accomplish what He desires, but He calls us to serve His purposes. As we are faithful in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, He will be faithful in transforming lives. For as He told Isaiah,
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (55:11)
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