Do you remember the story of Jamestown and John Smith? I bet you remember the part about Powhatan’s 11-year-old daughter, Pocahontas, saving Smith’s life? Do you know the rest of the story?
Do you know what role John Smith played in saving the colony at Jamestown?
Times had been hard for the colonists. They had endured attacks by the Indians who wanted them to leave. The struggles had led to an attitude problem. Then laziness had set in. In September 1608, John Smith was elected president of the local council. Since farming was important to their survival, one of his admonishments was: “He who does not work, will not eat.” Needless to say, because of his leadership the colonists survived.
That might sound harsh, but they would have not survived without the participation of everyone. The other folks could not work hard enough or long enough to get them out of the mess they were in. It just was not possible.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
One of the struggles we have today as a society is the notion of entitlements. Do you believe that because you were born this world owes you something? Certain rights come from God. Our Founding Fathers agreed that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights from God. But the world does not owe any of us anything.
It is not scriptural to not work and expect someone else to pay for your upkeep. When we borrow, we leave that debt to our children. Our national debt should be zero. ZIP! And that is scriptural! Consider what God told Israel.
For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
Deuteronomy 15:6
We want God to bless us as a nation, but we do not heed His wisdom. We do not obey His Word.
I think most of us agree today that we, as a nation, are in a mess. We are much like Jamestown. We can get out of this mess with God’s help – if we will heed His Word and pray.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Laziness, greed, covetousness, and other sins have brought us to where we are. We will have to exercise discipline, turn from our sins, and call out to God if we want Him to heal our land.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:16
Today’s challenge is to check yourself. What do you believe? Don’t let laziness, greed and covetousness take root in your heart. We must all do our part to get our nation back on track. Do continue to pray for revival for our nation. We need to get back to God.