Man is not the answer

To the editor:
Most people seem to recognize and agree that our nation is in need of help. Where to start is somewhat another matter. This country seems to have divided into many different groups of interest, and each group believes that if its particular view is taken and the problems approached in order, then our nation will be restored.
These groups are working in the local, state and federal government to put the right man in office. Candidates seeking to secure one of these offices try to position themselves with the strongest group, while at the same time making every effort to offend as few as possible in the other groups.
Sadly, there have been many sincere people desiring to help their country that have been crucified because of some flaw in their past that was discovered by those who seem to love to destroy people.
People are looking for that perfect man to save this country, but every man is flawed and unable to deliver based on his own goodness.
“There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are head in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons: but one sinner destroyeth much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:14-18)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10a) Our country’s success or failur is not hinged on those in office. The American individual is responsible for that. Are we wise enough to turn from evil unto God?
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalms 9:17) The one thing common to every problem our country faces is sin. Each generation knows less of God than the one before, and reverence to the Almighty God that gave us this country is replaced with mockery. What we call liberty is often the desire to design a world that is free from restraint of immorality, and it’s truly beginning to appear that man’s going to get his way.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) We are so determined to be free to explore and enjoy every pleasure that we are destroying ourselves.
“For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish.” (Isaiah 60:12)
Those in office cannot be expected to cure the symptoms when we the people are the problem. They want to make things better, no matter how wrong we as a nation are, but government does not possess the resources or power to bless a nation.
God does, however, possess the power to bless a nation.
The freedom that we have was not accomplished by man. The majority recognized God and God blessed this country. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Jehovah).” (Psalms 33:12a). “The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens.” (Psalms 113:4).
God truly has blessed this nation, and it’s been so good that we have forgotten why.  God blessed this nation because it believed on his Son. “Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34). “Jesus Christ is righteousness.” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
The events that are taking place in this country are not random, but in direct response to our behavior. Each person could be a part of saving their country by saving themselves. We cannot be righteous without Christ. We cannot have Christ without repenting of our sin.
“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:40).
May God bless you and your home.
Pastor Mike Hodson,
Old Path Baptist Church
Portland[[In-content Ad]]