The 1992 election, in my judgment, was a referendum on three things which points up trouble for God's people. Let me point to the evidence and see if you agree. If you do, then let us pray for wisdom to act courageously and prudently. If I am missing the mark, please help me to see the truth. What we saw just verifies what was already pretty evident for some time to the close observer.

1. Materialism.

What was the most talked about issue in the whole campaign: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, meaning money and more money, to buy more material things. One of the candidates reportedly had a sign on his desk which read, "It's the Economy Stupid." As you watched him, every question he was asked, he turned it right back to this idea -- the economy was in the worst state in 50 years, so it was stated, although that was far from reality.

This was done because the candidate was smart, reading the people's minds correctly. This was top priority on their mind. Although people have bigger houses, finer and more appliances than ever before, they were and are still ' dissatisfied -- wanting more. This appeals to the greed in each of us, does it not? We want more luxurious auto-mobiles, VCRs, large TV's, computers, etc. than ever before. All are afraid they are going to have to go back to the "old days" way of living. Such dominated their thinking. It worked and we are on our way to more spending and wallowing in luxury . . . for awhile (cf. Lk. 15:13f).

Did I have on some kind of blinders, colored glasses, being "too old fashioned" and biased by other factors? What do you think?

There is nothing wrong with being concerned with and wanting to have a "good job" and enjoy luxurious things in the home, etc. But when that is the dominant principle in our lives, then it is destructive! How do you view such?

2. Immorality.

When "family values" were raised in the campaign, "pro-choice" and freedom of choice "lifestyles" were always used to shout it down, and shame those who would raise the discussion regarding killing the unborn and sexuality as God would have it.

Human life was trivialized, minimized and belittled -- by equating it with "personal freedom" of a man/woman to do what he wanted to do with his own body, overlooking and concealing the fact that a human life is being snatched out in abortion! People forget that much more than discriminating against people over "lifestyle" and "sexual preference" is involved in teaching that homosexuality is an accepted way of life, to be approved and even favored by citizens.

That idea has been successfully whitewashed, and look out for what will follow it down the pipeline of "social agenda." Within a few days next year, the restrictions that have been placed on people and institutions to caution taking another life freely, will be wiped away with a stroke of the pen. When you settle in and feel comfortable with eliminating the "innocent unborn," you have taken a big step toward eliminating any others who makes it inconvenient for one with power to eliminate (the old, cripple, etc.).

Likewise, homosexuality is elevated to an "alternate life style," acceptable and respectable. Such will be taught in the public schools, and we will be shamed, when we raise the question of morality, as bigots, narrow-minded, biased people, a part of the "religious right," to be pushed into the shame corner and gagged (cf. Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21).

3. Something for Nothing.

Gambling was approved in the state of Missouri, and the little town down the road on the river overwhelmingly approved riverboat gambling. Now they will get their city on the map. All the tourists are going to come spend money: Riverboat gambling is in! They are in a frenzy, really ex-cited about what this is going to do "for" their town. In-deed things will be different!

What is the idea behind gambling, but the desire to "get something for nothing"? Gambling produces nothing that is constructive, while it violates the Bible ways of getting money: (1) Working (Eph. 4:28); (2) Exchange (Matt. 16:26); (3) Charity (Lk. 10:25-35).

But our society is stacked with people who have the idea that they can get something free, "for nothing," in various ways -- the government can and will hand out money, for-getting that it takes the money from the people and keeps a large part of it and gives the rest back to those who have the most persuasive voice and best inside track.

Again, I ask: have I been disoriented? Have I seen things that are not really there? Am I overly disturbed -- that a large part of the citizens of our nation, including many members of the body of Christ, would reflect such an attitude toward these matter?

I'm open for corrective information. I wish I could be convinced that such is only imaginary.

A Christian's Attitude and Course of Action!

Of course, as a Christian, I'm not betting my future of happiness on such concepts, activities and values.

1. I can be and am optimistic -- God is still in charge of the ship, and he'll get us home safely, if we will stay aboard (Mk. 4:36-39; Heb. 13:5-6).

2. The Lord is my shepherd (Psa. 23:lf; Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Pet. 5:4-9) so I'll not want, if I listen to his direction and follow (Jn. 10:27-30).

3. I shall continue to speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11), appealing to all to "come" to the Lord (Matt. 11:28-30; Rev. 22:17), and drink freely of the spiritual values.

4. I'll appeal to all my brethren and fellow countrymen to wake up, see the roses and the thorns. Cultivate the roses and chop down the thorns in your path and garden.

I recommend that each of us go back and read the prophets -- especially, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel and Daniel -- and be convinced that things aren't hopeless, for us individually as we may be inclined to think. However, let us see the need to depend on God, be saturated with his revelation and be fully convinced that he is real!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 1, p. 7
January 7, 1993