It's only one man's opinion...

It’s curious. It crosses all political lines. Conservative, moderate, liberal - it doesn’t seem to matter. Somehow, for some reason, few seem to be at peace. It is as if we are in the process of losing something - and we can’t quite put our finger on what that “something” is. There is a gut-wrenching fear that whatever it is, if we lose it we do so at our own peril.

Political pundants temporarily ease our minds by placing blame on the various political parties and organizations in power - or wanting to be in power. For a time, we are lulled into the hollow security of at least “thinking” we know what is going on. We would tell ourselves, “if we can identify the problem, we can solve it!” And so the endless cycle of finger pointing continues. Not that anyone expects it to address real issues and solve problems; it just feels good to think we know the reason for them.

There is a Bible verse in the Old Testament, written specifically to the Jewish people of that time - but with a principle not exclusive to any peoples or nations.

“If My people, who are called by My name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14

This isn’t a political sound-bite. It is not a campaign slogan. It is not exclusive to the conservative, moderate or liberal. It is universal, written to anyone willing to claim the promise. It is not social, it is spiritual.

Yes, yes it is only one man’s opinion but, for anyone interested, I’ll share it. The future of America depends upon the spiritual condition of God’s people. Who are they? They are truck drivers, engineers, students and clergy. They are actors, carpenters and computer technicians. They are bikers, scientists, housewives, attorneys and musicians. They are young and gregarious. They are old, often feeble and alone.

There are no statues to commemorate their deeds, no oil paintings of them to decorate the great halls of government. They may not be remembered by historians but they, YOU AND I, are essential to the revival of our nation.

The time for a personal revival is now. The time for commitment is now but commitment is no easy task; you have to stick with it!

Commitment is the consistent pursuit of a specific goal. Commitment is pouring one’s self into a specific task, emptying one’s self of all other objectives and focusing, with singleness of purpose, upon one specific endeavor. Commitment is the underlying focal point of every moment until its objective has been squarely met, its opposition challenged and overcome. Commitment separates common endeavor from driven pursuit. No excuse can attach itself to commitment; commitment is never found “under the circumstances.”

Commitment is separated from success only by time and effort. There is no uncertainty in commitment. Once committed to, the task is as good as completed. Commitment is relentless.

Commitment is deaf to the cajoling of the jealous, the prayers of the pious and the doubts of the defeated. It is blind to danger; there can be no failure! It scorns adversity and embraces risk. There can be no obstacle, no natural disaster that can derail true commitment. Commitment faces the seemingly impossible and proclaims, “I WILL NOT BE DENIED!” Don’t give me statistics; don’t give me political polls; don’t give me odds; don’t give me history; don’t give me facts as determined by consensus; give me commitment! No other endeavor of mankind can yield eternal value.

I personally believe that right now, at this precise time, in this precise moment, the heart of our nation, its core values, stand at a unique juncture in history. If God’s people [based upon His standards - not our bias], from every walk of life, will humble themselves and pray, turning from anything that might distract their singular focus upon Him and His will, He will hear, He will forgive, and He will heal our land.

But, that’s just one man’s opinion ...

God bless!