"Gone to Pot"

It’s the end of the world!!!! Every man for himself! Head for the hills….What did you say? Why panic? Well…Haven’t you heard? The world has gone to pot! The government is taking our country down and soon all of our freedoms will be taken away! What’s that? Overreacting you say? Well I think not! Bit by bit our rights have been taken away and we’ll soon be under the red pinko-commie’s iron fist!

It seems as if today the general temperament of those around me has been one of panic. They see how our government has failed us, which it definitely has, and they get down in the mulley grubs. Often this makes them very cynical and they can’t seem to see anything worth getting happy about. So with this doom and gloom attitude, what’s the point of going on? They have failed to remember or recognize a simple fact. That the Kingdom of God is advancing!

Throughout the history of the world there has been glimpses of godly rule in earthly kingdoms. The nation of Israel for example, enjoyed great prosperity during the reign of Solomon. However, just like every other nation that has risen and fallen, the peace was not meant to be forever. Our nations current circumstances, while dire, should not remove from us our joy or our hope. From the time of this nation’s infancy till now we have enjoyed an unprecedented amount of peace. While the turn of the recent events in our country’s history are a cause for concern, we must bear in mind what the greater kingdom is doing in this world.

I can hear you ask, “Why should I be joyful when everything seems to be going to hell in a hand basket? I can’t see any good anywhere to be found!” First of all we should reflect on the words of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians. I can see the Thessalonians right here in America. This Church was persecuted and many of them were idly standing by waiting for the return of Christ so that He could deliver them from the momentary circumstances. It seems that many of American Christians seem to be doing the same thing. They complain about this current circumstance and just wait to see when Christ will return. However, listen to Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians.

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5:14-18)

Also we often place our trust in our current governmental system. While America, which was founded Christian principles, has never been a “Christian” nation. Despite the fact that we think our nation is the greatest on earth does not negate the fact that fallen and corrupt creatures lead it. The Psalmist reminds us “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.” (Ps 146:3-4) So whether the most conservative or the most liberal man leads our nation it matters not. Our trust should not be in him, but the Lord.

Lastly, as I previously mentioned, we often forget that the Kingdom of God is advancing. Jesus’ most profound words about the advancing Kingdom of God was told in His parable of the mustard seed. Listen to our Lord’s words:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32)

While it seems as if the whole world is rejecting Christ, and in one sense it is, the Kingdom is growing rapidly. While in America it has seemed to stagnate, in other parts of the world it is growing in leaps in bounds. But I must point out that those countries where Christianity seems to thrive are where the persecution is the highest. In China, Sudan, Pakistan, and many others countries the Church is growing despite intense persecution. Perhaps, in order to see true growth out of our own country maybe we need to experience persecution in order that we will turn our eyes away from the world and to our Lord. It is true that “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” as Tertullian said. So if our country turns more wicked and corrupt, perhaps God is using it to turn the American Church closer to him.

So as Christ said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”(John 14:1) Truly while things seem to be getting worse, remember they are also getting infinitely better. We have the hope that “…all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Now look at me and repeat after me: Everything is going to be OK, and it doesn’t matter if we are under the rule of red pinko-commies.

- Jordan McGehee