Our Nation's Greatest Need

By Billy Graham, Christian Post Guest Columnist Monday, June 01, 2009

Q: What is our greatest need today as a nation, do you think? Everyone talks about the need to solve our present economic crisis, and I understand that, but no one seems to be talking about where we're headed morally and spiritually. Isn't this subject important also? - D.McN.

A: It's not only important - it's the most important subject imaginable for the future of our society. Without a solid moral and spiritual foundation, our nation will be headed for disaster.

Why is this? The reason is clear: If we lose our moral and spiritual foundations, we'll no longer believe in right and wrong - and eventually we'll slip into chaos. We'll become like ancient Israel at one stage of its history, when chaos ruled because "everyone did as he saw fit" (Judges 21:25). When everyone cares only for themselves, the common good is forgotten. After all, if we hadn't been overcome by selfishness and greed in recent years, would we be facing our present economic crisis? I doubt it.

That is why our greatest need as a nation - and as a world - is spiritual renewal. We need to turn to God, and we need to put Him and His will at the center of our lives. If we follow Christ, we'll care about others more than ourselves. If we follow Christ, we'll avoid dishonesty and greed and immorality, and instead we'll want to "pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace" (2 Timothy 2:22).

Pray for our nation, that God will bring us back to Himself. And pray for spiritual renewal in your own life, so that Christ may become the center of all you do.