America at Crossroad

On November 7, 2006, the American voters spoke clearly—we want change. Unfortunately, change is not always welcome, especially when it upsets the status quo and exposes motives, agendas, and the perverted character of those who should be role models and examples of moral living.

Nevertheless, the time of decision has come for this nation. Will we change directions? The voters have given the democrats the majority of the decision-making power. This is a decision that will have a global impact on our economy, our freedom, our peace, and our society as a whole, and certainly, the 2008 presidential election.

Consequently, bipartisan must be genuine. Playing political games will only divide us, weaken the economy, and jeopardize the strength and security of our nation. Whether democrat or republican, this decision must be made based on higher standards, and validated by the biblical principles that set America apart as the greatest nation of the world—the country that God shed His grace upon.

Moreover, the first decision must be personal. Each leader must look within, examine his /her character, and research his/her conviction and personal beliefs. Each one should honestly answer two questions: 1) to whom did I really make my oath? 2) am I committed to serving as a national leader out of a sense of calling or purpose? The answers to these questions either will authenticate their oath to God and their commitment to the American people or in time will expose their deception, pride, and selfish motives. Every decision made must align with the answers to these questions.

Although many voted because of disgust and disappointment with the current leadership and administration, I am convinced that nothing just happens in this nation or this world, for that matter, without God's sovereign and providential intervention. From this perspective, we now have a ‘second chance’ at getting things right in this nation.

It is decision-making time. In what direction will our leaders choose to lead our nation? Will they go right or left; will they choose right or wrong? We are at the end of 2006, and America is at the crossroad. Choosing the right direction is critical to our being 'one nation under God'. The decision to change direction and go the righteous way of Truth would declare to the world, IN GOD WE TRUST.

Having leaders that are not afraid to profess their Christian faith and stand on biblical principles in their decision-making will assure this nation of God’s blessings. Saying, God Bless America would be an answered prayer again, not a political cliché after making acceptance speeches and political addresses.

One of the greatest biblical examples of a political leader is King David. He consistently repented of his wrongdoing, and the choices he made. In Psalm 101, he boldly declared his commitment to God in a song that we can learn from. His oath was twofold: 1) Personal loyalty to living righteously, 2) establishing, and maintaining social justice according to God’s standards.

First, the king made a personal commitment to praise and worship his God. Although he was in a position of authority, status, and prestige, he did not allow his position to silence his adoration and reverence for God. His relationship with his Lord was not secret. Second, he took an oath and made a personal commitment to loyalty in three areas:

1) He committed to behaving blamelessly in public and in private. All leaders are accountable to a higher level of standards. People expect leaders to live by higher standards. Moreover, when those standards are lowered by inappropriate behavior and conduct, respect and trust are lost. Are leaders perfect? Of course not, but they should be consistent at least, and quick to repent. They should not talk truth but live lies. The skin of hypocrisy is thin, and results in open wounds, which are susceptible to infection and disease. King David learned this the hard way, and afterward made a decision to behave wisely before the people as well as in the privacy of his home. Our leaders must make the same decision to be consistent in walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

2) He committed to staying focused and not being enticed by wickedness and evil. Temptation to do the wrong thing is always lurking. Staying focused on the cause, the course of action, and the country should leave no time for illicit behavior, activities, and evil entrapments. King David understood first hand about enticement and the consequences of committing evil acts through deception, and conspiracy. Leaders must learn from the king’s lessons and heed his godly counsel. Sooner or later everything done in secret will be revealed. There is nothing hidden!

3) He committed to guarding his heart against unhealthy relationships. Wholesome relationships are critical to the effectiveness of leaders and their decisions. Great leaders are often ruined, and disgraced by the negative influences and political ploys of others. King David was a man of war and understood the importance of relationships, both healthy and unhealthy. Therefore, he made a decision about who would be a part of his administration. Character is costly! Although leaders may have money, they cannot buy character.

Secondly, King David made an oath and a commitment to establish and maintain social justice for the people and God in three areas:

4) He committed to protecting the people against verbal injustice, and discrimination caused by superior attitudes and arrogant dispositions; and,

5) He committed to promoting social values and an equitable society. Leaders cannot tolerate Injustice and discrimination in our society. Leaders must hold to the truth that ALL men are created equal. This truth must be evident on their agendas. Leaders earn the respect and trust of the people when they take a stand for civil rights, and are willing to preserve and protect our nation’s freedom. King David understood that people are special to God and that He loves all people unconditionally. Our leaders must make a decision to protect the rights of people, and not to tolerate injustice and discrimination. Justice and mercy are God's requirements (Micah 6:8).

6) He committed to rewarding faithfulness, integrity, and morality. Believe it or not, the environment (whether pleasant or unpleasant, peaceful or chaotic) is set by the standard of leadership within any government, educational institution, organization, church or home. Leaders are responsible for setting forth and upholding the rules that are in place to govern and protect those under their leadership. If they do not respect the rules or abide by the rules, they cannot expect others to. Low standards promote lower living—high crime rates, violence, injustice, discrimination, and chaos.

King David understood this and made a commitment to demand righteousness in the nation he governed. As the nation’s leader, he was committed to doing the right thing. He made the decision not to tolerate deception, wickedness in the land, and evildoers.

Ultimately, like King David, the leaders of nation must decide to uphold righteousness in America. Anything less should not be tolerated, and is unacceptable to God.

Moreover, the decision to change not only rests with this country’s leaders. The greater responsibility rests upon the people of God—the Church of Jesus Christ. We are the ones with power and authority to align the earth realm with God's will (Matthew 16:19). We do it through PROPHETIC INTERCESSION AND PRAYER! From this perspective, the question of change is now posed to the Church. Moreover, the answer to the question about change lies within the power of Church of Jesus Christ.

Although the voters’ ballots said we want change, all must welcome it, especially those who did not vote. We must be prepared to accept change even if it upsets the status quo, and exposes some ugly truths about our imperfections and wickedness. God's mercy is everlasting and in truthful summation: Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, and the people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance (Psalm 33:12).

These are PRAYING TIMES!