Several years ago an article appeared in the local newspaper that I have saved for a sober reminder. Without getting too political, we can probably all agree that it seems our country and the world beyond are spinning out of control. Things we once thought we’d never witness are coming to pass, many with their own cheering section. In this reflection, Alabama State Representative Barry Mask shares his thoughts which ring far too true for any student of history:
“HOW LONG DOES AMERICA HAVE LEFT?”
“About the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier: ‘A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.’ The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200-250 years. Last week, America celebrated its 230th birthday. According to Tyler, during a 250-year span of time, the greatest nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage.
Where do you think we are in this sequence?”
One of the hardest things to do as a Christian is to roll up our sleeves and work hard physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in this earthly gift of a home–all the while keeping our eyes and our hearts turned Heavenward. It is hard to continue to move against the stream of public tide, making a difference in individual lives. It is slow work, and it is vulnerable to criticism from all sides. Our time here is but a speck, but it’s such an IMPORTANT speck. On earth is the only chance we have to give cups of cold water in Jesus’ name…so that we might one day fellowship with each changed life in our permanent Home. As July 4th comes and goes once again, may we never forget the price that was paid…and continues to be paid…so that, sadly, many can choose to be complacent and apathetic. May it never be said of Christ-followers, however… and may we be firmly committed to prayer and the illumination of His Holy Word by the power of the Holy Spirit here at WellSpring so that we will clearly see where He is at work…and have the courage and the stamina to join Him there!
“Let us not grow weary of doing what is right, for at the proper time, we will yield a harvest–if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9