A Plea for Courageous Leadership

           We’re living in dark and difficult days, where the need for courageous leadership is in great demand. Despite the crises of unemployment and sinking economy, never have we had so much, while having so little. That is to say, that the real crisis is not material, but one of personal character. Our country has faced horrendous problems before, but never with such a dearth of true manhood and leadership. It seems like the heart has been cut out of our political and religious leaders. Church and State may be “separate” or distinct, but both have an essential role in the healthy function of society.

            We have made immigration reform and gun control priority in Washington, when only 4% of the country is focused on these issues. The increasing bureaucracy, debt, and welfare entitlements seem to generate little concern. Our individual freedoms are rapidly dissolving under a growing socialistic regime. Dependency on government is becoming common-place with some 50 million of our population receiving some form of welfare entitlement. Personal responsibility and individualism are waning, with the destructive results becoming more and more evident.

            Conservative pundants frequently refer to the legacy of Pres. Ronald Reagan, who arose to the occasion in the 1980’s when America desperately needed a courageous leader. He was a man of conviction regarding the necessity of individuals to “step up to the plate” and take personal responsibility for their livelihood. The thought of bigger government and increased union power was aggressively challenged. There was a need for personal freedom and free enterprise, which no government could produce. He believed that private business could out-perform government run agencies. Certainly, UPS and Fed-Ex exemplify that point when compared to the ineptitude of the U.S. Postal Service.

            Significantly, there was another courageous, conservative dignitary and  contemporary with Ronald Reagan. Her name was Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of England. The “Iron Lady,” as she was called, was also a champion of freedom and private enterprise. She readily joined hands with Pres. Reagan in the fight against the “cold war” with Russia. Her courage was phenomenal, standing firm in her convictions, despite every attempt to destroy her. She recently died at 87, and while honored by the Crown, she was mocked by her detractors, who celebrated her death by dancing in the streets of London. Others “booed” and turned their backs on her funeral procession. Evidently she made a mark on the populace, and the expressions of hatred only further reflect her courage and greatness.

            I’m looking for this kind of conviction in our situation today. We’re in a fight for survival and the Constitutional principles that once made America great. Where are the politicians with the “guts” to stand up boldly for what’s right? Where are the true patriots who will risk their political future to lead us back to sanity and common sense?  We don’t need more “professional” congressmen, but those who are God-fearing, servants of the people.

            But even more fundamental is the pathetic state of religious leaders in America. Where are the preachers of righteousness? Where are those who supposedly profess to believe the Bible and fail to preach it? Since when do we have to depend on politicians to set the moral compass of our country? The Bible was the cornerstone of our nation, the evidence of which is still evident everywhere. Even our deflated money still bears the motto “In God We Trust!” We’re losing the battle quickly, and the clergy bear most of the blame.

            After the recent Boston Marathon bombing, a priest on television was asked how someone could commit such a dastardly act. He admitted that “evil” was in the world, but couldn’t really answer the question. Why not?  “Murder is a gross crime committed by sinners, who have murder in their hearts; and God’s justice will prevail, whether here or in eternity.” This would have been a plausible explanation for any “man of the cloth.” If they don’t have answers, who does?

            We have clergyman who deny the cardinal truths of the Christian faith, regarding the life and work of Jesus Christ. The necessity of Christ’s Cross-work has become  superficial, since man is not really a sinner needing salvation. He can now make the rules as he goes, doing whatever is right in his own eyes. Such anti-Biblical teaching has opened the door for all forms of immorality and unbelief, radically opposing the standard of God’s Word. No wonder the standards of morality, etc. are being trampled under foot, for “as the Church goes, so goes the world.” So-called clergy and ministers who deny the Bible as the infallible Word of God need to face their hypocrisy, vacate their post, and get a legitimate job! Being a preacher of the Gospel is the greatest calling, but the worst profession! There’s nothing lower and more dangerous than a “minister” who misleads and deceives precious souls.

            Yes, we need a “revival” and reformation, but not so much in the White House as we do in the Church House. Guns, bombs, debt, unemployment, immigration, etc. are serious matters, but not as serious as the spiritual and moral decay of our beloved land. O, for a soon-emergence of faithful men of God, with the courage to proclaim the truth with a broken heart and a stiff backbone! Such a movement would not only change the Church, but in turn promote God-fearing, courageous leaders in every walk of national life.