Research released recently by Barna indicates that
approximately one-half of American adults (48%) are “Bible disengaged.” I.e. such people interact with the Bible
infrequently, if at all. It has minimal
impact upon their lives. Furthermore, more than one-third (35%) never
use the Bible in 2019. On the other end
of the spectrum, only 5% (down from 9% last year) are “Bible centered,” meaning
they frequently interact with the Bible so that its truth concretely shapes
their relationships and choices.
These numbers are more than merely academic. The lifestyles of many reflect the real
consequences of ignoring the revelation of their Creator. The breakdown of families, the scourge of
drug addition, the proliferation of pornography, the plague of gender-dysphoria,
and the unending violence are all the fruit of a society that has turned its
back upon God.
It is easy to complain about the nature of the
politicians that represent us locally and nationally. The
lack of character and the absence of wisdom and integrity are endemic among the
political class. Many espouse certain
perspectives on the campaign trail that seem to evaporate when established in
office. But the reality is that the
paucity of honor and moral strength among our politicians is ultimately merely
a reflection of the populace that elected them.
Consider from where we have fallen. American statesman Daniel Webster (1850-1852)
captured the essence of the Pilgrims’ worldview: “Finally, let us not forget
the religious character of our origin. Our fathers were brought hither by their
high veneration for the Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and
labored in its hope. They sought to incorporate its principles with the
elements of their society, and to diffuse its influence through all their
institutions, civil, political, or literary. Let us cherish these sentiments,
and extend this influence still more widely; in the full conviction, that that
is the happiest society which partakes in the highest degree of the mild and peaceful
spirit of Christianity.”
If there is hope for America it will be found in
emulating the spirit of our Pilgrim forefathers. In our homes, our schools, our governments,
and our churches, we must recapture a love for the Word of God and make it the
supreme arbiter of moral and spiritual truth.
Unless the core values of our nation change, we will
continue on the fast track to societal and national disintegration. As Christians, we must pursue the truth of
God’s Word as our greatest passion in life.
And that truth will govern how we spend our time, how we vote, how we
train our children, how we worship, and what our expectations are of the
future.
