Isaiah 1:2-3 records God's message to the people of Judah. The context then displays lamentation of Isaiah over the people's wickedness and impenitence. As a nation they had been called to holiness, but had sunk in sin and wickedness. They were literally laden with guilt and iniquity. Isaiah says, "oh, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters" (1:4). Again, "from the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it" (1:6). From the top to the bottom the nation was diseased. As a whole they were like a festering sore.

The conditions in our nation at the present time are very much like that of Isaiah's day. We are a nation beset with many scandals. Corruption is everywhere both on a national and local level. Many lives have already been affected and many more are threatened. Before we breathe a sigh of relief over Nixon's leaving office or act gleeful over his ouster, we had better be introspective of our own lives. Morality is no respecter of persons. Sin is sin no matter where it is found and how insignificant it may appear. Are we as individuals dishonest? Do we lie, cheat, or rob others? Watergate is a symptom of a national illness. We had better wake up. Unless we as individuals and as a nation turn to God, and unless we maintain the right standard of morality, we will see more Watergates. The solution of our national problems is not the ouster of a president, but a complete change of ways on our part as individuals. The best policy yet is to "provide things honest in the sight of all men" (Rom. 12:17).

Truth Magazine XVIII: 7, p. 109
December 19, 1974