Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. (Matthew 7: 17)

A generation ago, many people had parents or grandparents who were Christians. Though they didn’t always live as they should, they were clearly committed to the principles of Scripture and identified with Jesus Christ. Families stuck together, and couples didn’t divorce simply because they couldn’t seem to get along. They went to church, paid taxes, and supported each other in the family and the community. Many people today grow up in homes where there is no mention of God apart from profanity, no religious training, and no sense of moral right or wrong.

Though church attendance is still significant, godliness and righteousness seem to run very shallow. We speak of freedom as though it meant “freedom from,” as in freedom from duty, responsibility, parenthood or accepting the consequences of our own behavior.

Are we so far gone as a culture that there is no hope of returning to the values of the past? Absolutely not! But the consequences of our failures can’t be canceled by government spending or by fainthearted messages about how to “feel good” about yourself at the expense of society or others in general.

God’s solution remains unchanged: “If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7: 14)

Holy Creator, may we be willing to follow Your tried and true method of receiving Your mercy and being uplifting to those around us!