'Is America's Recession Saving the Next Generation?'
By J. Grant Swank Jr. (12/14/08)
America is gutted.
Let’s be real. America has lived out on the pig farm for quite a long while now. The older folk have enjoyed it. They have taught the younger generation that this is to be expected. In fact, it’s their right.
We have had plenty and then some. We have fatted ourselves on whatever was our fancy. We have spent and spent some more. In that, we have spoiled royally our children - and their children.
America’s flirtation with materialism includes every time frame—from the youngest to the oldest.
There are still a few frugal ones around. But they are getting fewer and fewer. In fact, they are regarded by the younger set as rather eccentric, odd, and just plain stupid. Why don’t they venture out more? Why don’t they take the fling and hope for the best?
Obvious fact: America has had it good. America has had it more than good.
Many other planetary pockets are starving, some children having no adults to watch over their communities. There are humanitarian workers here and there trying to fill in the gaps. But there are many more enjoying the fatted calf rather than sacrifice for the less fortunate.
At the same time, the health-wealth “gospel” has been preached by some who claim to be Pentecostal / evangelical. Their bottom line is that God promises His grace children lots of money and perfect body health.
What a scam.
Look at the holy personages of Scripture to find that that is truly not biblical preaching. Yet these health-wealth preachers continue their trade, on up to the Judgment Seat of Christ where they will have to confess their cultic tenets.
In addition to the religious hamstrings, there are the secularists who preach the same. Make it big by cheating and lying. Do whatever it takes to play god and bring down the dollar kingdoms.
Put the health-wealth artists and secular evangelists together and you have quite the sermonic content for The American Way.
Now America is in financial trouble. Most families are scrimping or know those within the clan who are scrimping. Times are hard. People are flung out of jobs they thought secure. Clan members are huddling together in the same dwelling in order to save on rent or mortgage payments.
And so it goes.
Looking at all this from a biblical standpoint, what is happening could very well be the refinement of soul that this nation needs. In fact, I for one think the mercy of God has gone far over my line. But then again, thank God I’m not God.
God is merciful. Yet there comes the point when going over the mercy line brings His discipline. Sometimes it brings His wrath.
What is going on with God and America right now is probably known most particularly to God Himself. But if one has spent a lifetime in biblical research, it does not take a degree from seminary to decipher that there is a soul cleansing going on in America.
The Bible states that judgment begins with the House of God. Good thing. That’s where it should start.
So church folk, check out your tithes and offerings to the work of the Lord. Check out your prayer time. What is your Bible reading quotient? How much do you sacrifice for the eternal kingdom or do you spend on your own puny kingdom’s sake?
Those who are genuine believers know that there is much that is tawdry within today’s American congregation. There is much praise, little humility. There is much hype and little holiness. There is much on church going and little on service.
America, you are coming under the judgment of an Almighty God in this severe time.
Ask Him how all this relates to your place before the eternal throne and then confess your sins, repent of your self-centeredness and pick up your cross to follow Him.
J. Grant Swank, Jr.
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