The Tipping Point of the Government Mountain
One of the family stories I love hearing is from 1935 during the Great Depression. My grandfather was just out of high school when he found some surveyors examining the farmland owned by his father. When he approached and asked what they were doing, they informed him that the farm was being repossessed by the bank because the loan payments were not being made.
This news was a tipping point that caused my 19 year old grandfather to shift into high gear to help save the farm. He approached the bank for a loan to purchase some equipment and worked for his dad as a farm hand. He began to help his dad work himself out of the financial hole they were in.
As my grandfather’s five brothers graduated high school, they each spent two years working as farm hands. This caused the family farm to prosper greatly, enabling them to save it and to actually extend their territory during the Great Depression.
It was a huge mountain to climb, but they pulled together as a family, each person doing their part and laying down their lives. In the end, God rewarded them for it.
Remembering this story always encourages me to persevere when I walk through stormy seasons or feel like I am drowning. It inspires me to witness firsthand the fruit from the faithfulness of my grandfather and his brothers’ perseverance during the Great Depression.
Because my ancestors persevered through the trial and tribulation, I have hope. I know that if I simply remain faithful with what needs to be done, refusing to be afraid of the storm or the height of the mountain, then on the other side, I will prosper and extend my territory.
Perseverance is a spiritual principal that is part of my generational foundation. I have seen what my forefathers sowed, and now I am reaping their harvest.
I am reminded of these words from the apostle Paul:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Our country is at a crossroads, similar to when my grandfather discovered the bank was looking to repossess the farm. If the Body of Christ is going to save this nation, we must choose to kick it into high gear and begin to climb the government mountain.
If righteousness exalts a nation, we need righteous people in places of governmental authority. Righteousness simply means doing what is right in the eyes of God. Many of the influencers on the government mountain are sadly lacking righteousness.
From the presidency all the way down to city councils, we see unrighteous laws being made. We see our governmental leaders forcing people to comply with laws that violate our religious freedoms. If we had righteous leaders who would not compromise their beliefs in these positions, we would not be on the precipice of losing our nation.
I know that a lot of people are praying for our nation, and that is wonderful. But are you ready to add works to your faith? Are you ready to put your faith in action (see James 2:17)?
My grandfather was a believer, so I am sure he prayed God would help him save the farm. But he also had to get to work. He had to put some of his plans on hold in order to turn it around. There was personal sacrifice involved for each of his brothers that followed him. But it worked. Not only was the farm saved, it prospered.
Our Founding Fathers followed the same pattern. They each saw the tipping point with the King of England. They knew, if they did not take up the cause and begin to take action, all would be lost. When they signed the Declaration of Independence, they made a pledge to put their lives on the line:
…with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. – Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 (1)
We’ve reached a tipping point once again in this nation. God is looking for brave men and women who will rely on Him and pledge their lives, fortunes and honor to see this great nation turn back to Him.
If we each did our part, like my grandfather’s brothers did, it wouldn’t be very difficult. With God’s help and a divine strategy, we could gain significant influence over this Government Mountain. We simply need to be willing to act!
Prayerfully consider these actions:
1. Pledge your life.
Could you become a government official? Even the smallest position in government, such as a precinct committeeman can influence a small town government toward righteousness. Learn about the process of government. Learn about what each position does in your county. School boards and local governments need a righteous shift. Is God calling you into action?
2. Pledge your fortune.
It takes money to be elected into government. Investigate and discern from the Holy Spirit whom He would have you support financially. I have been involved as a treasurer in local elections; it is imperative that the right candidates have financial backing to get their message out.
3. Pledge your sacred honor.
We must not be concerned with our reputations. God needs people who are willing to speak His truth into the earth and boldly proclaim righteousness. We must remember that we have a representative government. If leaders do not know how we feel about certain issues, they cannot represent us accurately. We must speak up, even if it costs us our honor in this life. Our Founding Fathers were willing to be called traitors in order to save the colonies. Are you willing to be called one as well?
Our government must seek first the Kingdom of God. The only way this shift back to righteousness is going to take place is if His people lay down their lives and do their part to “save the farm.”
(1) (http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html)
