Ernest Smith

Over the last few months, I have seen a continual divide in our country as to where the blame should lie with the depravity of our culture.  I think most would agree that there are many things in our country that are not ideal.  I know that I have found myself over the last few months, even years, wanting to find someone to blame for our country not being the nation we all want it to be.

In the last two months, I have read about a guy who killed his mom and then proceeded to kill innocent children in a school.  I have read about a mom who left her 3 year old twin boys home alone, resulting in them burning down the house and killing themselves.  I have read about political leaders blaming organizations for murder and organizations blaming political leaders for a loss of control.

There are many who are wondering where to place the blame for a culture that needs to be restored.  Do we blame the president?  Do we blame the economy?  Do we blame the religious institutions?  Do we blame corporate America?  Who do we blame?

What if the blame were to rest on ourselves? Would it change how we approach our country?  Would it change what we think about our politicians?  Would it change how we lived our lives…if the blame were to rest on our shoulders?

Proverbs 14:34 states,

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

When I read this verse, immediately my mind wanders to the sin aspect of this passage.  I begin to think about how sin is evil and corrupting.  I begin to think about how sin can destroy people and their families.  I rarely, if ever, have read this passage and focused on the first four words.

Righteousness exalts a nation.

Exalts!  Righteousness can lift a nation up.  Righteousness can bring a nation from the depths of despair to the heights of hope and joy.  Righteousness changes a nation that is desperate for change to a nation that is a light to the world.

When I read this passage now, I see that if we want a nation that is changing.  If we want a nation where people are filled with love, hope and peace.  If we want a nation where we can celebrate the joys of that nation, rather than mourn at the sorrow, then we must focus on righteousness.

Where does the blame lie for a nation that is not living up to God’s best?  With Me!!!

May I seek righteousness every day.  May I seek to know God and to follow in His footsteps.  May I live my life in such a way that honors Him.

What if we all lived this way? What if there arose a people, a generation, a nation that sought righteousness?  Then our nation would be exalted and blame would cease.  I want to live in that type of nation; therefore, I must live a life that seeks to display the righteousness of God.

Have you found yourself blaming others for the state of our country?

What can you do to seek and live righteously?