The right to be

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." James 4:17

Too often, I hear Americans complain about the way in which our country is going...I too am guilty of this indulgence. But statistics say that only 50% of all Christians are registered to vote, and of those who are, only 50% actually do. We are to be the voice of God in a country that was founded on his premise and if we are silent we are doing NOTHING to help our country in the direction it should go.

I look around the world at its poverty, corruption and immorality and I have to say, as bad as America is...it could be worse and we are still very fortunate to live in the country that we do. God's hand will be here so long as his people speak for him. It is a promise from our heavenly father:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Yesterday at church our Lead pastor did something amazing that I have never, in the 27 years of attending church, participated in. He stopped his sermon and called his flock to fall to their knees in prayer for our country and its leaders. Right there, the whole church bowed before the living God, on their knees. It was surreal. I was convicted.

I do not pray for our country nearly as often as I complain about it. recently issues that have been passed have driven me to despise our country's leaders. I don't understand all the hand outs our country delivers to the ungrateful. We have families that raise their children on welfare, teaching them to do the same. We are giving away luxuries like health care and high speed Internet encouraging the self entitlement that our generation is feeding on rather than hard work and morality that is becoming a thing of the past. But if I were to pray as often as I complain, God will hear my pleas. Maybe my prayers can make a difference, if not in my countries leaders, then in the people, in myself.