When hiking or camping, one of the most important pieces of equipment to have is a compass. It guides a person to the desired destination with the needle that is set to align with the earth’s magnetic field north. No matter which way the compass is turned, the needle points north, and a person can adjust direction accordingly.
From time to time, a compass can get air bubbles or be exposed to extreme temperatures, interference from nearby electronics, or other magnetized objects. These can cause the needle to lose its magnetic pull to the north. When this happens, the compass needs to be reset.
The compass that has guided the United States of America to world prominence and prosperity, helping to navigate us through incredible challenges that have included a civil war and two world wars, has been our faith in God. He is the “north” on our “compass.” He is the Center-point. We were founded on Judeo-Christian principles. We are one nation, under God. Even our monetary currency declares, In God We Trust. But we seem to have lost our way. It’s time for a reset of our national moral and spiritual compass.
In olden days, when the nation of Judah also had lost her way, God raised up the prophet Isaiah to get the attention of the people. In Isaiah’s opening message, he thundered: “Hear O heavens! Listen O earth! For the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:2) It was time to pay attention to God’s Word. And what did God say? “Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.” (Isaiah 1:4) God pinpointed the primary problem that had caused the nation to go off-course. It wasn’t political. It wasn’t environmental. It wasn’t social or racial. It wasn’t financial. The primary problem was sin. Rebellion against God. Defiance of Him. They had forsaken the God of their fathers. Judah needed a moral and spiritual reset.
God then issued to Judah a gracious invitation: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) In order for Judah to reset her moral and spiritual compass, she had to acknowledge her sin and rebellion against God, then turn away from it and ask for His cleansing.
But with God’s invitation came a warning: ‘”If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.’ For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:19-20)
As I pay attention to what God is saying, I believe His word to Judah through the prophet Isaiah is very relevant to us also. It’s time for us as a nation—both leaders and people—to acknowledge our sin and rebellion against Him, turn away from it, and ask Him for national cleansing. If we reject His timely invitation, we do so at our own peril.
The choice is ours. What will it be? Will we return to our faith in God? Or will we continue in rebellion against Him on a path that leads to our destruction? If every American’s choice is a reflection of yours, will we as a nation navigate our way out of the destructive course we are on? Join me as together we listen to and heed God’s Word, renew our faith in Him as we reset our compass, then follow His direction seeking to live a life that receives His blessing. As a result, may God truly bless America.
