Should we have a concern?

by Wayne Doolin

First Baptist Church

Those of us in religious circles, who keep track of these things, take note of the fact there is an increasing percentage of Americans who are classifying themselves as "none" when listing a religious preference.

In a recent article pertaining to the present election cycle from a secular publication it stated, "'None's are a growing minority of Americans. One-fifth of the U.S. public, and one-third of adults under 30, are religiously unaffiliated today." The article went on to state pertaining to those who are "religious." "Surveys indicate that a significant portion of religious voters don't go to church as frequently, may not have a chapter and verse knowledge of the Bible and aren't praying as much. They might be more secular than we think they are."

Should we have a concern for the direction our nation appears to be going? Are the principles on which our nation was founded no longer relevant? Is there a Creator involved in all that he has set in motion, and monitoring the actions and decisions we are making? Is there a purpose for our lives other than to "get all we can" and "satisfy self"? And when it's all over, then what?

Where the world is lacking in answers to these questions, the Bible speaks very clearly. God gave us a beautiful world to enjoy. God has a plan and purpose for every aspect of his creation, and is watching it very closely. Mankind is the "crowning glory" of that creation, and he loves us. God has a purpose for us, God has a plan for us, and God has a place for us. Satisfaction can only come by knowing those three "p's" and dedicating your life to them.

When looking at our nation, we see dysfunction in the family and the schools. We hear rhetoric of lies and deceit, and we see pain on the faces of too many people. As we approach the celebration of our founding may we seek the one, our heavenly Father, who has the answers we need. William Penn stated, "Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." The Bible states it even more clearly, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)