Not Even A Mother Theresa

Not a day goes by that I don’t hear from somewhere how Trump or Cruz or any of the other GOP candidates will save America – or destroy it. And not to be outdone, the other side trumpets that Clinton or Sanders will save us – or destroy us.  

Well, here’s a news flash – and this principle comes straight from God’s word: America could put a Mother Theresa into the White House, but without a change in the American soul, our nation will still and surely experience God’s impending judgment.

Anyone who knows Biblical history will recognize America stands at the same precipice as ancient Israel just before God sent His chosen people into Babylonian slavery. We forget – or have not been taught – what God said to Ezekiel about Israel: Even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst . . . . they could not deliver either their son or their daughter. They would deliver only themselves by their righteousness.” (Ezekiel 14).

We forget – or have not been taught – God warned His chosen through another prophet, Jeremiah: “Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people; send them away from My presence . . . Those destined for death, to death; And those destined for the sword, to the sword; And those destined for famine, to famine; And those destined for captivity, to captivity.” (Jeremiah 15)

No, it no longer matters who next fills the White House. So the critical question before us now is: Christian, what can you and I do to prevent a complete meltdown of the America built and sustained on Judeo-Christian values?

That’s easy to answer. We can take our guidance from Scripture. For example, 2 Chronicles 7:14 - “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

What can we do?

Humble ourselves before God. Confess to Him our personal and our national sins. The prophet Daniel did it (Daniel 9). Nehemiah did it (Nehemiah 9). And Ezra did it (again, Ezra 9. Isn’t it interesting how the Holy Spirit makes it easy for us to remember where to find those prayers?).

And pray. How often do we pray before and during the Mass or church service that God give us a Holy Spirit driven revival in our family, in our Church, and in our nation? Catholics, how often do you pray the Rosary, specifically asking intercession of the Blessed Virgin that God will hold off His judgment on us? When have we last fasted and prayed and wept before God for our national sins?

And seek His face. How often do we even attend Mass or church service? How often do we study and meditate on His Scriptures, letting His word guide our lives? How often do we quiet ourselves with him for more than a few fleeting moments during our day?

And turn from our wicked ways. How often do we bring even our most seemingly trivial venial sins before God, asking that He purge them from our lives? What secret sins do we nurture? Do we refuse to live according to historic Church teaching? When was the last time we said to God from our heart – Your will be done, not mine?

No, it does not matter who is elected next to the White House. Unless Christians of all labels and positions stop putting our hope in our politicians and fall to our knees before God, then not even a President Mother Theresa can save us from God’s slow moving but inexorable judgment.

Christian, what shall we do next? With God a little is a lot. Jesus changed the world with 12 followers committed to Him, His lifestyle, and His message. We can change the course of our American culture – but only if we do what Christ-honoring and faithful Christians have always done.