Open Forum: Do you think . . .

I read with great interest the letters to the editor and Open Forums and have often thought I should respond with one. This is not a response to any particular one, but just my thoughts on this subject: Do you think?

Do you think that maybe we are experiencing so many problems in our nation because we no longer desire Godliness? “Righteousness (right living) exalts a nation; but sin (wrong living) is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Do you think that maybe we are facing so many crises within our country because we no longer welcome God in our public institutions and facilities these days such as courthouses, schools, shopping malls, etc.? “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:32).

Do you think that maybe we are experiencing so many economic troubles and conditions because we fail to go by the Biblical instruction given in God’s Word? “Owe no man anything” (Romans 13:8a). “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:6). “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me herewith saith the Lord of hosts; if I will not open the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10).

These are just three of hundreds of verses dealing with financial principles found in the Bible.

Do you think that maybe the crime rate which seems to constantly be on the increase, the frequent violent tragedies that are occurring on our educational campuses, the never-ending conflicts around the world that have cost us so many lives of military men and women defending our freedom — though we have very little concern or regard for the 50 million-plus babies killed by abortion since 1973 — could this indicate that maybe God is somewhat displeased with America?

If I cause a lady to lose her baby, I can be charged with manslaughter. But a doctor can do the same thing at an abortion clinic without any type of repercussion. Folks, there is something wrong with this picture.

Consider these words from Jesus Christ in Luke 18:15-16: “And they brought unto Him (Jesus) also infants, that He should touch them (infants): but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them (parents). But Jesus called them (disciples) unto him and said, suffer (permit) little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.” Aborted babies do not have the opportunity to come to Jesus. I must tell you I am very passionate about this, because one day my parents were told to abort me, but they refused that counsel — and I am sure glad they didn’t listen.

Do you think that maybe instead of looking to God for answers to our seemingly never-ending problems, we are constantly looking to other things (even good things) such as business, education, economic success, social services, military might, political policies, and man-made endeavors ? Maybe we need to respond as King Jehoshaphat in Israel did, when he and his nation sought God through prayer and fasting, acknowledging that neither he nor the nation had the answer to their situation (2 Chronicles 20:1-13).

At the beginning of this letter I asked the question, Do you think? I can’t answer for you, but I think and believe we ought to think about these things. Why do I say this? Because I am persuaded that the Bible is God’s word.

And so as I close this letter, might I ask one more “Do you think” question? Do you think that perhaps the problem we have with guns today is not gun ownership, but the violence that is before our eyes and minds, from many forms of communication and entertainment, almost every day?

Lee Stone resides in Winchester.