Every nation must determine the laws that will govern its people. Without these guidelines, anarchy and chaos would rule. But how do we decide what is right and wrong? Is each generation responsible for determining the moral code by which to live?
Our Founding Fathers realized that the strength of America could only come from a secure foundation—and not from their own opinions or the shifting tides of culture. They built this country on the eternal standard revealed in God’s Word.
Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence, said, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation of life. Happy are they who are enabled to obey them in all situations!”
The early fathers modeled the Constitution on England’s Common Law, set forth by William Blackstone. While many of the decrees that shaped America are attributed to this “natural law,” Blackstone himself acknowledged that this comes from God. Romans 2:15 says that this “law is written on [our] hearts, while [our] conscience also bears witness.”
Billy Graham once said, “The moral structure in our country grew from Judeo-Christian roots. When those values are applied, they produce moral fruits.”
Sadly, the fruit produced in our culture today reveals that America has strayed far from these Biblical roots. Sexual promiscuity, self-fulfillment, and moral relativism have replaced purity, self-sacrifice, and objective truth. Instead of looking to the Bible for direction, people now think they can decide for themselves what is right and wrong. A nation without a moral standard is like a ship without a compass.
“When a people cast aside God’s laws and devise their own ‘norms,’ their nation is in serious trouble,” Franklin Graham said. “God’s law is holy, never changing, and given in divine wisdom and nonnegotiable truth. Any attempt by a culture to dictate ungodly standards will never work.”
Where do we go from here? Once again, the solution to our problem is not to look to ourselves, but to Jesus, who paid the price to save us from our sin. We must first admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior.
The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
“Salvation is always ‘good news,’” Billy Graham explained. “It’s news of God’s love and forgiveness—adoption into His family—fellowship with His people—freedom from the penalty of sin—liberation from the power of sin.”
Second, we must share this Good News with our friends and neighbors. Our culture’s do what feels good slogan promises fulfillment, but in the end, it leads only to ruin. Point them to the peace, hope, joy, and purpose that Christ alone provides—and then model what it means to submit to God’s ways and stand firm on His unchanging truth. God’s laws are not meant to burden us, but are given “for our good always” (Deuteronomy 6:24).
Billy Graham said, “Each generation faces different issues and challenges, but our standard must always be measured by God’s Word.”
While America may have wandered off course, God is still working in and through His people. Ask the Lord to strengthen you as you obey His commands and share His Gospel with a world that’s desperate for truth and hope.
