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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: Is America in danger of going the way of other once great and powerful nations? When I read world history and see the fall and rise of the nations, I can’t help but wonder how our nation will be judged in the future. – J.N.

 

Dear J.N.: While America has been the most generous nation on Earth toward other countries, it is in such danger because of our pride. Our world will someday fall apart. A nation is only as good as its people and Christ is the only hope we have and the only security we have. Unless we turn from our sin and put our confidence and trust in God, we live in grave danger of falling prey just as Rome did.

Fifteen hundred years ago the people of imperial Rome were living in luxury, ease, and prosperity. The Romans laughed at the rugged barbarians of the north. They had a far lower standard of living than the Romans did. They could not possibly conquer Rome – great imperial Rome. But they did. Those illiterate barbarians conquered rich and luxurious Rome because Rome had become morally and spiritually weak. The city fell almost without a fight.

Jesus spoke of the deceitfulness of riches and prosperity. When we possess riches, we may be deceived about our positions in life. We may tend to feel independent, to rely on and to trust in our own riches rather than in God. We may start to feel safe apart from God and forget that we may die at any moment.

Let’s place our dependence on Jesus Christ and ask Him to show us how to use the resources He has so graciously granted to further His kingdom and to live in a way that demonstrates our complete trust in Him. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)