THE MORALS OF A NATION

THE MORALS OF A NATION
We were at a small gathering a couple of nights ago, where we were free to discuss topics which were on our hearts-- for the mutual good of all present.
One person related how the Holy Spirit was working in their life. At one time they had feared the Commandments of God, as being a deterring factor-- to keep them from doing what they WANTED to do. The party continued, relating an experience with the Lord which had taken place a few months earlier. It had been a life-altering experience-- just them and the Lord. That incident marked the beginning of a "turn-around" in their life.
Now, a few months away from the experience, the change in behavior and desire is so pronounced as to be very apparent, not only to them, but also to others.
Whereas they had at one time dreaded the LAW OF GOD, they now find there is a "WANT TO" being built into them. The LAW OF GOD is becoming a DESIRE, rather than a drudgery. They were referring to the MORAL LAW, not the CEREMONIAL LAW, of course.
Those remarks "lit off" another member of the group, and they referred to Deut 4:5-8 where Moses is coaching the children of Israel, as they were about to enter the Promised Land. He said, Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people. For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]? And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen,--.
In my mind, there came a scripture which Paul wrote to Timothy, telling him that his teachings would-- I Timothy 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Another one, almost like it is-- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
As long as Israel followed the Moral Law of God, they prospered, and God fought their battles for them. But this changed as they drifted away from their social responsibilities, and into doing "what came natural" to them. So it has been with EVERY NATION. Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.
England contributed to the decimation of China a century or so ago by furnishing them with plenty of Opium. Fortunately, China is recovering herself.
My sister, Louise French, told me about a Native Village in Alaska that had suffered terrible things because of the "white lightning" brought in by the white men. The villagers enjoyed the effects of the liquor so much that they neglected their summer dities-- fishing, drying fish, berrying, weaving, etc.. When winter came, they began to be in want of food, clothing and shelter. Many of them died. The survivors realized what had caused the problem, and decreed that the "white lightning" would NEVER be allowed in the village again. WISDOM.
Another party read to us from James 3:13-- James 3:13 Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
I came away edified-- feeling that it had been worthwhile to gather and discuss the Scriptures, and worship in an unstructured manner, trying to allow the Spirit to guide us. It was benificial.