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The Remnant Will Make
the Difference
The following is a speech delivered by your editor to homeschooling
graduates several years ago. We believe the theme is as relevant today as
then.
"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." The
opening words of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities would seem to apply
to our own times as well.
As the graduates of 19XX you are commencing a journey in a world that
is simultaneously terrible and wonderful. Terrible because of the condition
of the society in which you are destined to live out your life. Wonderful
because of the unprecedented opportunities to make a difference in the destiny
of a nation.
My charge to you this evening is that you commit yourselves to be the
kind of men and women who will indeed make a difference in your world.
To do this you will need to keep your balance. You will need to keep
your eyes fastened in two directions at once. You will need, on the one
hand, to be soberly realistic about the dreadful condition of our beloved
country; and you will need, on the other hand, to be joyfully realistic
about the power of God to change the course of history through his obedient
children.
This two-pronged realism - about the reality of sin's effects and the
reality of Christ's victory over the effects of sin - is your best preparation
for taking your place as adults who will make a difference at the end of
the 20th Century.
THE WORST OF TIMES
First, then, a realistic look at the worst of times. What do we see as
we take off our rose-colored glasses and look out across this great land
today? We see the tragedy of a nation squandering its inheritance. We see
a land that once was characterized by virtue, liberty, wealth and power
now fallen to a state of corruption, bondage, poverty and impotence.
In a land that once blushed at the mention of fornication, we now have
public officials promoting sodomy as a normal lifestyle. Where gambling
once was reserved for the secretive back rooms of shady establishments,
our elected leaders now prey on the covetousness of the populace to slake
their own insatiable lust for more of somebody else's money to spend. In
a land that consciously crafted a republic out of principles found in the
Bible we now find a student suspended for saying grace quietly over his
lunch at a public school. A virtuous people has corrupted itself. If the
barbarians stalk the corridors of power today (and they surely do), they
are only a reflection of the barbaric heart of the citizens who gave them
power.
In a land where the patriot's cry, "Give me liberty, or give me
death" was met with heartfelt consent, we now find a people that prefers
living in slavery. Like children, citizens cry out to the government to
take care of them, to guarantee them a job, to guarantee them an income
when they don't have a job, to guarantee security in old age, to guarantee
care for their children, to guarantee health care. And with each empty guarantee
the paternalistic elitists gain more power as the citizens give up their
wealth and relinquish the freedom that comes with taking responsibility
for themselves.
At one time the United States of America was the world's largest creditor,
the engine of production that lifted the whole world up the ladder of prosperity.
Today our nation has the notorious distinction of being the world's largest
debtor. The reckless and immoral spending addiction of both Democrats and
Republicans has brought our economy to the very edge of bankruptcy. Sometime
in the next few years the world will know what our politicians will not
admit: the United States of America is going to default on its mountain
of debt or inflate the economy into economic ruin. One way or the other
we will enter a period of our national history that will make the Depression
of the 1930's look like a picnic.
During this period in which we have witnessed the decline of virtue,
the abandonment of liberty, and the squandering of wealth, we have also
watched our nation lose its will to defend the interests of freedom. We
have gone from a bold and sacrificial defense of free people in World Wars
I and II, to a half-hearted, embarrassed, and ultimately failed effort on
behalf of freedom in Vietnam, to our current role as a declining super-power
afraid to act without the approval of the United Nations.
It's not a pretty sight to see a nation in decline.
DON'T BLAME WASHINGTON
But lest we think that our problems are all the result of out-of-touch
politicians and overzealous bureaucrats, let us also consider the state
of our churches and families. These institutions provided the fertile soil
out of which our verdant republic grew, and it is the decline of the family
and the church that has preceded and contributed directly to the decline
of our nation as a whole.
The church is in a pathetic state today. Never mind the mainline denominations
which have long-since abandoned biblical faith; we're talking about the
Bible-believing church. Here, too often, we see much ado about nothing.
There is talk of revival without the reality. The church today measures
its success by the numbers on its rolls rather that by the holiness of its
members.
When was the last time you heard of a church rebuking members for gossip,
admonishing men for the immodest appearance of their wives and daughters,
excommunicating a member for seeking an unscriptural divorce? Today's evangelical
church may take a strong stand on fundamental doctrines like the person
of Christ and the inspiration of Scripture, but it too often denies this
Christ and this inspired Word by not practicing a true Christian lifestyle.
The pattern of life of most Christians is so much like the world around
them that they blend right in and cannot serve as salt and light.
The family, too, is in decline among Christians. Believing fathers fail
to take their God-given role as the spiritual leader of their families.
Christian fathers in times past led their families in twice-daily family
worship. Today most Christian fathers reinforce the pervasive humanism of
our culture, denying the practical relevance of God to the lives of their
children by failing to worship Him together with their families on a daily
basis.
Christian mothers have abandoned their home-centered role for the empty
promise of finding fulfillment in the workplace. Children are warehoused
in daycare centers until they are yielded to the godless indoctrination
and destructive socialization of government schools. After years of training
in the ways of rebellion through public schooling, public entertainment,
and peer association Christian parents are somehow surprised when their
teenagers rebel.
Christian homes look too much like the world around: the same roles for
parents, the same view of children as a curse rather than a blessing, the
same schools, the same entertainment, the same bondage of debt, the same
divorce statistics - is it any wonder that our nation is in decline?
The fall of our nation is a result of the fall of our families and churches.
It is painful to consider the factors
that make these the worst of times, but it is vital for us to be realistic
about the problems so that we can also be realistic about the solutions.
THE BEST OF TIMES
You see, the very things that make these such terrible times to live
are what also make them such wonderful times. Never before has there been
a greater need for young men and women who will commit themselves to live
for Jesus Christ, not just in words but in the entire fabric of their lives.
One of the basic human longings, placed in our hearts by God himself,
is the desire to make a difference, to have some impact on others and the
world around, to have a mission to accomplish in life. Graduates, you have
such an opportunity, you have such a mission.
We must be realistic about the terrible condition of our families, churches
and nation. But we must also be utterly realistic about the power of God
at work in those who walk in obedience to the revealed will of God in the
Bible. God can change the world through you. Look at what he accomplished
through that motley collection of 12 fisherman and the like nearly 2,000
years ago.
The course of history has literally been shaped by the quiet choice of
men and women to obey God and walk in his way no matter what the cost. History
in the 21st Century will be shaped by the choices you make in the next few
years.
God doesn't need a majority. The Bible tells us that he is looking over
the earth, scanning it for those whose hearts are fully committed to him
in order that he might strengthen them. He just needs a few good men, and
women, to turn our nation around.
I believe that what we are witnessing today in our nation (and the world)
is the bankruptcy of humanism. People are learning that man's ways don't
work, whether in economics, criminal justice, education, church or family
life. But God's ways do work.
We have seen that truth in the home education movement. You graduates
are the outstanding proof that God's ways work. He gave children to parents
to raise for Him, and that arrangement works better than the substitutes
man has created.
Home educated children do better academically, as proved by standardized
test scores. Homeschoolers excel socially, relating well to all ages, developing
self-confidence, and escaping the social contagion of age-grouped schooling.
Home educated children learn to love the family, staying close and loyal
to their parents and siblings. But above all, homeschoolers develop godly
character. This character is the result of a close relationship with their
fathers and mothers and the one-on-one discipleship they have received over
the years. Home education works.
WORKING ALTERNATIVES TO HUMANISM
I believe that as our nation witnesses the bankruptcy of humanism over
the next few years and decades that people will be looking for alternatives.
When they see the nation's economy in ruins, the schools a wasteland, the
cities uninhabitable, families broken and individuals disillusioned and
empty, they will be looking for answers.
I believe they will find the answers in the remnant of God's people that
is still living a life faithful to his Word. In Deuteronomy 4:6 Moses said
about God's commands: "Observe them carefully, for this will show your
wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees
and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'"
The time will come when people will be looking for answers, for a way
to rebuild a ruined nation. They will find what they are looking for in
the remnant who will be exhibiting a model of life that works, because it
is God's way.
The question now is, Will you become part of the problem or will you
be among that remnant that is a model of the better way?
Let me leave you with some concrete suggestions of commitments you should
make if you want to be part of the remnant that points our nation back to
God's ways and lays the foundation for national renewal.
#1) Commit yourself to spend daily time in prayer and meditation on God's
Word. The first rule of success in life is to get your marching orders fresh
from the Master every day. "Do not let this book of the law depart
from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful
to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
(Josh. 1:8)
#2) Commit yourself to marry only another Christian who shares your passion
for remnant living. Ask your father to guide you in the selection of a suitable
life partner. Reject the unbiblical and dangerous dating pattern that tempts
young people to sin and sets the stage for later divorce through multiple
emotional relationships.
#3) Commit yourself to the God-ordained roles for husbands and wives.
Men, plan to be the spiritual leader of your family, and make your family
a higher priority than anything else. Women, embrace a home-centered role,
affirming and honoring your husbands leadership and assisting him in carrying
out his direction for the family.
#4) Commit yourself to accepting the children God wants to give you,
receiving them as a blessing. Reject the world's view of children as a burden
and trust God to provide for all that he gives you. Sacrifice yourself to
raise up a new generation of Christian soldiers.
#5) Commit yourself to your future spouse and reject divorce as a way
to solve future marital problems. Don't get married if you see divorce as
an option. As long as God calls you to remain single, accept that calling
with joy and use your freedom to serve Him.
#6) Commit yourself to debt-free living. If you don't have money for
college, don't borrow for it; God must not want you to go to college right
now or He would have provided the money. The Bible calls debt a form of
slavery. Don't willingly become enslaved; don't presume upon the future.
Be content with what the Lord provides day by day.
#7) Commit yourself to a local church. God wants every Christian to be
part of a spiritual family and under spiritual authority. Give a tithe to
the church as a sign of your submission to God. Be an accountable part of
the body of Christ. Commit yourself to helping the church become the loving,
holy community God means it to be.
#8) Commit yourself to restoring America to its spiritual foundations.
Make a study of the Christian foundations of our nation and of our form
of government. Learn our country's Christian heritage and then teach it
to your children as well so that we as a people never again forget.
#9) Commit yourself to homeschool your own children and grandchildren.
Follow the good example of your parents and learn from their mistakes. Determine
that you will do a better job than your parents, and help your children
do an even better job with your grandchildren. Plan to pass on the baton
you have received.
#10) Commit yourself to a God-centered optimism. Don't fall into the
trap of wishing for the end of the world and giving up because everything
seems so bad. Commit yourself to make a difference in the world. Trust yourself
to the God who is looking around for hearts committed to him. Believe that
He still rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Believe that there can yet
be a glorious future if God's people will just walk with Him in every dimension
of their lives.
COMMIT YOURSELF TO BE A REBUILDER
These are the worst of times. Let's be realistic. But these are also
the best of times. Let's also be realistic about the victory of Jesus Christ
and the power of God to renew our land. What a great moment to live as a
Christian! What an opportunity to make a difference!
Soon the world will be looking for a better way. When the house of humanism
comes crashing down let's have an alternative ready for all to see. We've
made a good start in the homeschooling movement, but it is only a start.
Commit yourself to build on what your parents have done. Commit yourself
to show the world a better way, God's way.
Then will come true the word of the Lord:
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old
foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets
with Dwellings….Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and
your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before
you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. -Isaiah 58:12,8
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever
brighter till the full light of day. -Prov. 4:18
Young friends, commit yourselves to God's way and the path will be bright
- for you and for a watching world. May the Lord bless you all. |
