“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” -- 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
Throughout the years, the beliefs and principles our founding fathers fought to establish and instill have consistently been attacked, diluted, and, in some cases, even eliminated. What will it take to bring our nation back to a place where truth transcends political correctness, purity is preferred over the perverse, and life is cherished rather than frequently disregarded?
In order to restore our nation, “we the people” must stand up and courageously defend our rights and values. There’s no better time than today to start doing our part.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
As one nation under God, we not only have the right but the responsibility to stand up for a godlier, more moral way of life. Consider the following three reasons we must exercise courage and protect our nation from further moral decay.
1) God commands it.
2) Future generations depend on it.
3) Our rights as citizens allow it.
Let’s look at each of these reasons a little closer.
1. God commands it—God urges us to rely on His strength, to wear Him as our armor, and to recognize our ultimate enemy Satan. Our battle is not against the people and things of this world. Ultimately, our battle is against Satan’s presence and influence over the people and things of this world. Therefore, we need to employ courage as we stand for truth, and pursue justice, purity, and righteousness.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13 (NASB)
2. Future generations depend on it—Our first responsibility is to reach, teach, and minister to our current generation. Our second and even broader responsibility is to invest in programs and ministries that teach God’s Word, secure the freedom of our Christian faith, promote moral values, and protect Christian worship for future generations. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves, what legacy am I leaving for future generations?
“That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” Psalm 78:6-7 (NASB)
3. Our rights as citizens permit it—According to the Bill of Rights of the United States of America, we have the right to protect our freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom to assemble peacefully. Therefore, it is extremely important we exercise our right to vote and vote for candidates who will protect our rights as citizens by not allowing the opposition to hinder our expression of faith and values.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Will you exercise your courage today by standing up for truth, justice, purity, and righteousness?
