With the election polarizing both the secular and religious communities, many have begun to wonder: Are we a Christian nation any longer?
One reader asked Billy Graham: “It seems to me like we’re becoming less and less religious and moral as a nation. Isn’t this what some of the recent polls are suggesting? Could this ever change?”
Graham did not mince his words, but still offered eternal encouragement in his response.
He wrote back:
Yes, in recent decades our nation certainly has been drifting from its Judeo-Christian roots, and in many ways has become increasingly secular. We’ve come to tolerate attitudes and ways of living that would have been frowned upon only a few generations ago, and the number of people who say they have no religious belief continues to grow.
And eventually we will pay a price for this, because when a nation abandons God, it also abandons living by God’s moral standards. And once this happens, we could end up in moral anarchy and social chaos, in which everyone does what he or she wants to do—even if it hurts someone else. We will become like ancient Israel during one stage of its history: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judg. 21:25).
Can this be reversed? Yes, it can—if God intervenes and brings spiritual revival to our land. It has happened in the past, and it can happen again, as we repent and pray and ask God to bring us back to Himself. This is especially important, I believe, during an election year. The Bible tells us to pray for “all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:2).
Regardless of what happens in the future, however, make it your goal to live for Christ. If you have never done so—or if you’re uncertain—commit your life to Him today. Then ask Him to help you to be “blameless and pure … in a warped and crooked generation” (Phil. 2:15).
Now that’s a timely word!
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