Here are three different headlines in regards to the question where are we headed as a nation:
- 2012 – A Nation Opposing Itself -Where Is America Headed? It goes on to say, “The United States is becoming bitterly divided, begging the question: Where is the country going?”
- 2017 – Study reveals generation gap regarding views of moral behavior. It goes on to say, “Researchers found 81 percent of Americans agree with the statement, “I am concerned about declining moral behavior in our nation.” Nineteen percent disagree.
- 2020 – Poll: 80% of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction.It goes on to say, “The poll also finds just 38% of Americans say the national economy is good, down from 67% in January, before the pandemic upended most aspects of everyday life.”
- 2023 – Nearly 70% of Americans see the U.S. headed in the wrong direction, a Marist Poll found.
These headlines all make reference to something either politically, economically, or spiritually as the cause for concern about the future. These headlines are over the last several years, but if you were to do a Google search you would find the same sentiment in 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and yes 90’s. We will always find those who look at the world half-full and can be doom’s day advocates. There are also those who bury their head in the sand and are oblivious to what is actually happening around them. Some folks want us to put a positive spin on everything despite the reality of what is really wrong, bad or sinful.
If we were to honestly look at our current world culture, we can’t help but have some concern about where we are headed in regards to marriage, family and the overall morality. Even if you didn’t view the current state of morality in decline you could at the very least see it as changing drastically these last several years. As I have seen and heard these headlines, I was reminded about a chapter in my book (Before You Say I Don’t) where I talked specifically about marriage, family and moral breakdown.
In the introduction I stated: Whether it’s because of: 1) No-fault Divorce that was adopted into law for all 50 states in 1985, 2) the moral decline of our nation, 3) the breakdown of the family, or 4) just a sign of the times—divorce has become widely accepted in our culture today.
In chapter 1, I made reference to a paper written by Kerby Anderson he states, “Nations most often fall from within and this fall is usually due to a decline in the moral and spiritual values in the family. As families go, so goes a nation.” This has been the main premise of historians who have studied civilizations that have collapsed. That is how important your marriage and your family’s stability is! Families are the foundation of a nation, and when the family crumbles the nation falls because nations are built upon family units. They are the true driving social force. A nation will not be strong unless the family is strong. Social commentator Michael Novak, writing on the importance of the family, said: “One unforgettable law has been learned through all the disasters and injustices of the last thousand years: If things go well with the family, life is worth living; when the family falters, life falls apart.”
Anderson goes on to explain stages of decline that include:
- Men ceased to lead their families in worship. Spiritual and moral development became secondary. Their view of God became naturalistic, mathematical, and mechanical.
- A change in men’s sexual values. Men who were preoccupied with business or war either neglected their wives sexually or became involved with lower-class women or with homosexuality. Ultimately, a double standard of morality developed.
- Unbelief in God became more complete, parental authority diminished and ethical and moral principles disappeared, affecting the economy and government. Thus, by internal weakness and fragmentation the societies came apart.
There is a challenge at the end of that chapter where I encouraged a discussion about the statement from Randy Alcorn (The Grace and Truth Paradox): “Truth without grace breeds self-righteousness and legalism. Grace without truth breeds deception and moral compromise. The key to true Christian spirituality is to integrate these two qualities (TRUTH & GRACE) into your life. That is when we will be imitating the character of Christ.
So, with that being said, let me ask you to take an honest look at the world around you and ask: Where are we headed, and do you care? If you do, then how can God’s truth and grace give you a clear answer to make a difference? Will you pray for marriage, family, and morals in the world today?
