A NATION DIVIDED

On June 15, 1858, the Republic Party of Illinois nominated Abraham Lincoln for the Senate. In accepting the nomination, he said, “We are now far into the fifth year since a policy was initiated with the avowed object and confident promise of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only not ceased but has constantly augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease until a crisis shall have been reached and passed. A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

We now fast forward to today. The following is from George Barna, Director of Research Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University (2/20/24).

“My new national research shows that our nation is deeply fragmented.

“In fact, we’re divided to the point where I believe Americans have lost the capacity to develop a united perspective on who America is and how we will move forward together.

“How can we bridge these growing divisions in our nation?
“In an election year, we often hope that our next leader will restore unity. But as I review the latest findings from the American Worldview Inventory 2024, placing the burden of uniting this divided a country (sic) on the shoulders of a president or political party is unrealistic.

“What we need as a nation is a spiritual awakening, not a political majority, to restore national unity.

“Much of the greatness and longevity of the United States is attributable to a shared understanding and common pursuit of core characteristics—such as truth, purpose, responsibility, and community.

“My research shows that the American public no longer shares these foundational perspectives.

“We need to turn our hope from political outcomes to God. I believe that a period of spiritual renewal can restore a widespread understanding of our nation’s common values and sense of community.

“And that may be the only path to restoring the national unity we so deeply desire.”

THE PATH TO RENEWAL

Barna and I are not saying, “Don’t vote.” We are saying, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save” (Psa 146:3, NIV).
National renewal begins with the renewal of all professing Christians, which is roughly half of the total population of the US. Rather than pass judgment on the validity of anyone’s faith, I appeal to all who profess faith.

Paul wrote: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:1-6).

We must have received the washing of regeneration and be daily renewed by the Holy Spirit. Hear Paul again: “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Col 3:8-10).

We cannot claim renewal by the Holy Spirit if we are spouting angry, malicious, slanderous, and obscene rants, whether orally or on social media. The path to renewal of the nation begins with professing Christians who, like David, sincerely pray:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you (Psa 51:10-13).