Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34 (ESV)
In the earliest days of our nation, political leaders understood that our national well-being depended on the righteous living of its citizenry. In an address to the leadership of the Dutch Reformed Church, President Washington stated, “You, Gentlemen, act the part of pious Christians and good citizens by your prayers and exertions to preserve that harmony and good will towards men, which must be the basis of every political establishment.”1
"Alexis de Tocqueville, in his famed analysis of America, summarized, 'America is great because she is good. If she ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.' During Israel's conquest of the Land of Canaan, personal sins resulted in national defeats. Joshua's tragic defeat at Ai is but one example [Joshua, 7]. When asked, 'What is the biggest problem in America?' General Norman Schwarzkopf replied, 'Lack of integrity.' The increasing evidence of corruption in government, in business, and in personal lives continues to propel us toward God's judgment on our land." 2In today's political arena there is a lot of finger pointing for the failure of Government. The failure of our government, however, is the result of a failure in the righteousness of individuals. Political lies and deceits poor from the mouths of leaders at all levels of government. If we don't hold those in office to the highest level of truthfulness and integrity, we will continue to move toward national destruction. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
So where lies our Hope? As always, our help comes from the Lord God of heaven and earth, '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." 2 Chronicals 7:14(ESV)
A Prayer of Confession
"ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father; We have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind In Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen" 1928 Book of Common Prayer
1. George Washington, “Religious Opinions and Habits of Washington,” in The Writings of George Washington (Boston: American Stationers’ Company, 1837), 405
2. The Armor of God:The Breastplate of Righteousnessby Chuck Missler
