Madeline Crabb
What America needs most- -humility
By Madeline Crabb
If much of the world considers America prideful, arrogant, boastful, and evil, doesn't that really mean that individual Americans are prideful, arrogant, boastful, and evil? And if so, does it matter?
Sadly, pride has reached epidemic levels throughout America. What's the solution? What does America need most? Humility.
As a nation, America faces destruction from without and within – and mostly because of our pride. From without, we have made many enemies because of our actual or perceived interference in the affairs of other nations, and our haughty, arrogant attitude – suggesting we are superior to all others. In fact, because of our condescension and self-importance, some nations not only call us the Great Satan, but have vowed to destroy us. Kill us. Annihilate us. From within, we destroy ourselves from our irrational thinking that we are smarter than God, and can do whatever we want without consequences.
Should we be concerned? Absolutely! God detests pride, which is at the root of all sin. In fact, pride was the original sin committed by Lucifer in heaven, resulting in the expulsion of him and one third of the angels from heaven. Pride leads to destruction for both nations and individual people.
Lucifer was kicked out of heaven because of his arrogant, prideful attitude of thinking he was equal to or better than God. (Is: 14:12) He rebelled against God and was judged. Likewise, America and individual Americans are going to receive judgment from God Almighty because of the same arrogant, prideful attitude, and rebellious behavior. Our only hope is to humble ourselves.
Much of the world's hatred towards us stems from the actions and words of leaders in our federal government – the most visible being the President and members of Congress. In general, what exactly does the world see on the political "stage" but a bunch of know-it-all, pompous, hypocritical, self-important, strutting peacocks who dictate to others how they should live or govern. Of course, these peacocks have bankrupted America, and are responsible for the legislation of our moral decay. And while these oh-so-smart peacocks condemn atrocities in other nations of the world, over 56 million babies have been murdered while in their mothers' wombs since 1973 – a crime both accepted and applauded by these legislators. Talk about atrocities! With the blood of innocents on their hands, they preach to the rest of the world?! And we wonder why we are hated so much. Calling our leaders hypocrites is woefully inadequate.
Fellow Americans, don't we understand why ALL of us must be concerned with whom we choose to "represent us" in government? Don't we realize that these people "speak" for us? In the eyes of the world, our leaders reflect our views. Consequently, when our leaders are proud and arrogant, we must be proud and arrogant. Our vote – our stamp of approval.
What the world learns about us through media is also appalling, and shows how self-centered and proud we truly are. Why? It's not enough that we invent new ways of promoting filth, perversion, and violence among our own citizens. No, we have to export tons of our garbage to the rest of the world. What's on television alone is enough to condemn our nation to hell. Thinking we are wise, clever, and evolved, we are really fools. What we call "entertainment" is desperately wicked. And yet, is there a massive outcry against it? No. Instead, the evil and perversion grows in popularity among Americans. Are we ashamed of our actions? Centuries ago, the prophet Jeremiah asked the same question: "Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush." (Jer. 8: 12 NIV)
Yes, there are multitudes of Americans who don't partake of the filth produced by the entertainment industry – but we are still affected by it. Also, aren't we partially responsible for it if we don't do anything to stop it?
While we may turn off our TVs and boycott the movies, the perversions still affect millions upon millions of other people around the world. Furthermore, the vileness and evil promoted through media has permeated the very minds and spirits of Americans, and is destroying our ability of discerning good from evil. We have become a nation so self-centered and pride-filled that we are totally oblivious to the harm our own actions do to others. Our know-it-all, you-can't-tell-me-what-to-do mentality, rooted in pride, is nothing more than rebellion against God. And the following scripture summarizes this condition:
Despite what revisionists say, America was grounded on Christian principles. Period. We began to turn from our roots, looking for newer "truths" and philosophies, and chose leaders of like mind. We began to believe the lie that God is no longer interested or necessary in the affairs of man. And now, we have evolved to the point of being wiser than God, and thus reject the need of having godly leaders.
Dear friends, the Bible says there's nothing new under the sun. (Ecc. 1:9). The Old Testament repeatedly tells how Israel rejected God's kingship over them, and turned to idolatry and the worship of other nations' gods. Likewise, we Americans have rejected the lordship of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, become idolaters, and worship other nations' gods. Like Israel, we, too, have done what is right in our own eyes. (Jdg. 21:25). And like Lucifer, we think we are smarter than God. But Scripture warns, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." (Is: 5:21 NIV)
Not all of our nation's leaders are evil. But most of them act like proud, self-important people more concerned with their own political futures than being actual servants of the people. We often elect people whose hearts seem right...people who actually appear to want to serve their constituents. Once in office, however, the allure of power, fame, and prestige outweigh the idea of simply serving the people, turning them into proud promoters of self. And therein is the problem of not just our government, but of We the People. In general, Americans have become more concerned about me than we. The only solution is to humble ourselves, realize our true need of God and His Word, and to turn back to Him.
Merriam-Webster.com defines humility: the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people; the quality or state of being humble. In our "it's all about me" society, pride rules, and humility is mocked. Sadly, when studying and researching before writing this column, it was difficult to find much about true humility, with the exception of preaching from Islamists who have much to say about the pride of the Great Satan. But from Christian teachers, I didn't discover a lot. Why aren't there tons of sermons available on the sin of pride – or on the virtue of humility? Maybe it's because the Church is filled with scores of proud people – pastors and parishioners. But, that is another topic for another day.
The Bible is replete with scriptures against pride:
What hope do we have? None, unless we humble ourselves, realize our need for God and His Word, and turn back to Him. Then we need to begin purging filth and perversion from our society, and select godly leaders to represent us here in our country, and then to the rest of the world. Prideful hearts are bent on self, not God. But God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. (Mt. 5:5 NLT) Additionally, Scripture says: "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Matt. 23:12 NLT) I'd rather be exalted by God than humbled by Him. What say you? And let's not fool ourselves...these are our ONLY two choices on the matter.
Frankly, I feel our nation has gone too far. But if the remnant of God's people fervently pray, perhaps there is hope America can be restored. For the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much. (Jas. 16) So, fellow Christian, let's earnestly pray for God's mercy upon us. To anyone willing to hear....
© Madeline Crabb
August 20, 2014
If much of the world considers America prideful, arrogant, boastful, and evil, doesn't that really mean that individual Americans are prideful, arrogant, boastful, and evil? And if so, does it matter?
Sadly, pride has reached epidemic levels throughout America. What's the solution? What does America need most? Humility.
As a nation, America faces destruction from without and within – and mostly because of our pride. From without, we have made many enemies because of our actual or perceived interference in the affairs of other nations, and our haughty, arrogant attitude – suggesting we are superior to all others. In fact, because of our condescension and self-importance, some nations not only call us the Great Satan, but have vowed to destroy us. Kill us. Annihilate us. From within, we destroy ourselves from our irrational thinking that we are smarter than God, and can do whatever we want without consequences.
Should we be concerned? Absolutely! God detests pride, which is at the root of all sin. In fact, pride was the original sin committed by Lucifer in heaven, resulting in the expulsion of him and one third of the angels from heaven. Pride leads to destruction for both nations and individual people.
Lucifer was kicked out of heaven because of his arrogant, prideful attitude of thinking he was equal to or better than God. (Is: 14:12) He rebelled against God and was judged. Likewise, America and individual Americans are going to receive judgment from God Almighty because of the same arrogant, prideful attitude, and rebellious behavior. Our only hope is to humble ourselves.
Much of the world's hatred towards us stems from the actions and words of leaders in our federal government – the most visible being the President and members of Congress. In general, what exactly does the world see on the political "stage" but a bunch of know-it-all, pompous, hypocritical, self-important, strutting peacocks who dictate to others how they should live or govern. Of course, these peacocks have bankrupted America, and are responsible for the legislation of our moral decay. And while these oh-so-smart peacocks condemn atrocities in other nations of the world, over 56 million babies have been murdered while in their mothers' wombs since 1973 – a crime both accepted and applauded by these legislators. Talk about atrocities! With the blood of innocents on their hands, they preach to the rest of the world?! And we wonder why we are hated so much. Calling our leaders hypocrites is woefully inadequate.
Fellow Americans, don't we understand why ALL of us must be concerned with whom we choose to "represent us" in government? Don't we realize that these people "speak" for us? In the eyes of the world, our leaders reflect our views. Consequently, when our leaders are proud and arrogant, we must be proud and arrogant. Our vote – our stamp of approval.
What the world learns about us through media is also appalling, and shows how self-centered and proud we truly are. Why? It's not enough that we invent new ways of promoting filth, perversion, and violence among our own citizens. No, we have to export tons of our garbage to the rest of the world. What's on television alone is enough to condemn our nation to hell. Thinking we are wise, clever, and evolved, we are really fools. What we call "entertainment" is desperately wicked. And yet, is there a massive outcry against it? No. Instead, the evil and perversion grows in popularity among Americans. Are we ashamed of our actions? Centuries ago, the prophet Jeremiah asked the same question: "Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush." (Jer. 8: 12 NIV)
Yes, there are multitudes of Americans who don't partake of the filth produced by the entertainment industry – but we are still affected by it. Also, aren't we partially responsible for it if we don't do anything to stop it?
While we may turn off our TVs and boycott the movies, the perversions still affect millions upon millions of other people around the world. Furthermore, the vileness and evil promoted through media has permeated the very minds and spirits of Americans, and is destroying our ability of discerning good from evil. We have become a nation so self-centered and pride-filled that we are totally oblivious to the harm our own actions do to others. Our know-it-all, you-can't-tell-me-what-to-do mentality, rooted in pride, is nothing more than rebellion against God. And the following scripture summarizes this condition:
-
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." (2 Tim. 3:1-5 NIV)
Despite what revisionists say, America was grounded on Christian principles. Period. We began to turn from our roots, looking for newer "truths" and philosophies, and chose leaders of like mind. We began to believe the lie that God is no longer interested or necessary in the affairs of man. And now, we have evolved to the point of being wiser than God, and thus reject the need of having godly leaders.
Dear friends, the Bible says there's nothing new under the sun. (Ecc. 1:9). The Old Testament repeatedly tells how Israel rejected God's kingship over them, and turned to idolatry and the worship of other nations' gods. Likewise, we Americans have rejected the lordship of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, become idolaters, and worship other nations' gods. Like Israel, we, too, have done what is right in our own eyes. (Jdg. 21:25). And like Lucifer, we think we are smarter than God. But Scripture warns, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." (Is: 5:21 NIV)
Not all of our nation's leaders are evil. But most of them act like proud, self-important people more concerned with their own political futures than being actual servants of the people. We often elect people whose hearts seem right...people who actually appear to want to serve their constituents. Once in office, however, the allure of power, fame, and prestige outweigh the idea of simply serving the people, turning them into proud promoters of self. And therein is the problem of not just our government, but of We the People. In general, Americans have become more concerned about me than we. The only solution is to humble ourselves, realize our true need of God and His Word, and to turn back to Him.
Merriam-Webster.com defines humility: the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people; the quality or state of being humble. In our "it's all about me" society, pride rules, and humility is mocked. Sadly, when studying and researching before writing this column, it was difficult to find much about true humility, with the exception of preaching from Islamists who have much to say about the pride of the Great Satan. But from Christian teachers, I didn't discover a lot. Why aren't there tons of sermons available on the sin of pride – or on the virtue of humility? Maybe it's because the Church is filled with scores of proud people – pastors and parishioners. But, that is another topic for another day.
The Bible is replete with scriptures against pride:
-
God hates pride and arrogance. (Pr. 8:13)
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Pr. 16:18)
The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low (Is. 2:11)
The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. (Pr. 16:5)
For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (Gal. 6: 3)
Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him. (Hab 2:4)
What hope do we have? None, unless we humble ourselves, realize our need for God and His Word, and turn back to Him. Then we need to begin purging filth and perversion from our society, and select godly leaders to represent us here in our country, and then to the rest of the world. Prideful hearts are bent on self, not God. But God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. (Mt. 5:5 NLT) Additionally, Scripture says: "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Matt. 23:12 NLT) I'd rather be exalted by God than humbled by Him. What say you? And let's not fool ourselves...these are our ONLY two choices on the matter.
Frankly, I feel our nation has gone too far. But if the remnant of God's people fervently pray, perhaps there is hope America can be restored. For the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much. (Jas. 16) So, fellow Christian, let's earnestly pray for God's mercy upon us. To anyone willing to hear....
© Madeline Crabb
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