Times That Try Men's Souls  

          I doubt that anyone in their right mind, would deny that society.. that society in which we live...is in a horrific state.  Our economy has taken a nose dive, and it doesn't appear to be recovering.  Nor does it appear that it will do so anytime in the near future.  Unemployment is at record high levels, and the number of homeless people is on the increase.  People are hurting, and there doesn't seem to be any hope in sight.  I see hurting people on all sides...
          And yet, as I drive in to church on Sunday mornings, I pass cars loaded with all manner of recreational vehicles, heading out to spend their Sundays entertaining themselves.  I see huge motor homes racing up and down the highways in all directions.  Or, I see hordes of people gathering for the next sports event.  It's an anomaly that I am unable to explain.  How can so much of our populace be in such dire straits, and yet, how can so much of it be so affluent?
          I don't want to come across as being judgmental, but I fear that we are witnessing a total moral breakdown in our society.  This nation in which we live, has been blessed by Almighty God, for more that two hundred years.  We've enjoyed immense prosperity for most of that time.  We were elevated to a position in the world that has been unequalled in human history.  Why do you suppose that was?
Then a second question comes to mind.  Why do you suppose we are fallen from that position today?  We are fallen, by the way.  I won't deny that many of us are still enjoying the prosperity we've had, but I fear that disaster is on the horizon.
          I would like to suggest that we were elevated to our former position in the world simply because we were a God fearing, God honoring nation.  I realize that by stating that opinion, I may be branded as one of those "Jesus Freaks", but that's okay by me.  I'd lived a Godless life for far too many years before God finally got my attention, and I branded a few people as "Jesus Freaks" myself.  All I can say is, that since Christ came into my life, I have a new attitude, and a new perspective.  When I was a child, most of the people in our immediate neighborhood went to church on Sundays, and the world was a safer, and a gentler place to be.  However, over the past sixty odd years, I've watched it become a place fraught with danger.  I've witnessed the breakdown of our society in so many areas.  Our kids are no longer safe on our streets, and violence is all  around us.  The reason I want to put forward for this breakdown is simply this....
          We, as a nation, have turned our backs on the God who blessed us so richly for so many years.  We've made entertainment, or self gratification, our God.  When Sunday morning rolls around, we think nothing of camping out at the entrance to Safeco field to purchase season tickets to watch the Mariners play ball.  Or we head out to do whatever we like, on the water, or in the forest, or on the mountains.  We never give a thought to the idea of attending a church service, to spend an hour or so with the God Who gives us everything that we have.  He made the water, and the forests, and the mountains we enjoy so much.  And how do we thank Him for all that He has given us?  By ignoring Him completely. 
          Even beyond all that he has given us in the physical realm, He has given us even more in the spiritual realm, and it is available to anyone who has the inclination to call upon Him.  He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever shall believe on Him might never die, but have eternal life.  God, Himself, came to earth, and lived a life devoid of sin.  He gave us an example to follow.  Then He took our sin upon His own shoulders, and carried it to the cross of Calvary, where He poured out His life blood in order to atone for OUR sin.  He died for us, was buried and rose again, defeating sin and death.  And He sits, today, at the right hand of God the Father, in glory.  He will come again to receive His church unto Himself.    
          Meanwhile, each and every one of us is endowed with an immortal soul, and there are only two conditions facing us as we look at the end of our lives here on earth.  We are all going to pass from this life eventually, and our immortal soul will go to one of two places.  We will either spend eternity with our Saviour Jesus Christ, or we will spend it in eternal torment apart from our Creator and our God.  As for me, I know where my soul will go.  I will spend my eternity in His presence. My final question is this.  Where will you choose to spend eternity, my friend?  I pray that you will give this some serious thought, and I hope to see you in glory one day.  May God bless you richly with His wisdom!!  Amen!!