Because of the public response to the recent political scandals, many Christians have been saying that America had lost its soul. The consensus by many leaders seems to be that we need a change in the political leadership so America can once again regain its soul.
I disagree! This is not a political issue. It is a spiritual issue. As a secular nation, America can't be expected to have a soul. What can you expect from a sinful nation, except a pattern of sin? The problem isn't with the secular community, it is with the Christian community. The Christian community has been the soul for this nation and I'm afraid that we are losing ground.
The Church Is Becoming Too Much like the World
We, the Christian community, are perceived as losing our soul because there is very little difference between them and us. However you measure that difference: divorce, adultery, cheating, lying, etc., research has shown that there is very little difference between our behavior and the behavior of the secular community.
Why? Because we have not paid attention to the exhortation of Romans 12:1-2 which says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." It is my contention that one of the main ways we have learned to conform to the values of this world is through the entertainment media.
Why Has the Church Lost its Values?
Think about it. Do the things that once offended you now entertain you? Are you able to enjoy the company of television programs, videos, and movies that have values that are diametrically opposed to yours? Do you think you can watch and listen to whatever you want, and still not have it influence you? Let me ask you a few questions.
Do you remember the first time you heard someone use profanity in a motion picture? I do. It was just over 20 years ago in the movie "All the President's Men." I was shocked that they could use that [language]. Now we hear worse on television every night.
How about the first sex scene you saw in a motion picture. I can recall the first time I saw one. Again it was just more than 20 years ago. Even though it was done "tastefully," my friends were so embarrassed that we walked out. Now we see scenes on television that are more graphic and we say it's no big deal.
Entertaining Ourselves to Death
Are you beginning to understand what I am talking about? We have gotten used to the values of this world with the help of the entertainment media. We are literally entertaining ourselves to spiritual death. Our collective soul is dying.
What does Scripture say? Be transformed by renewing our minds. Colossians 3:1-2 commands us to set our minds on things above not on things below. Christian music can certainly play a part in this "transformation," along with consistent prayer, Bible study, fellowship and adherence to Christ's command to be "salt and light." In fact, music is an excellent mindsetter.
Why not allow His music to help you set your mind on life from a godly perspective? When you do, you just may begin to see your soul become alive again.
Spiritual renewal will not come from a ballot box! It can only come when God's people resolve to renew their mind and set it on life from His point of view.
Other Sources:
10 Important Thoughts and Actions to Renew Your Spiritual Health
10 Bible Verses of Renewal and Hope
A Week of Prayers for When You Feel Spiritually Dry
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