Saving America - A Prescription For Reclaiming Christian Culture

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." 2 Cor 6:17

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. 5:13 & 16

America is in trouble; that is not in question. The question is, what can/should we as Christians do to solve the problem. That question can be answered in one word - Separation. Separation is the essence of holiness. It should be the measure by which we live and the foundation of our involvement in society.

God's plan for Israel was Separation from the world in which they lived: they were to be a peculiar people, totally different from the nations around them. It was their constant failure to be separated that was the cause of His judgement.

America was founded by separatists. The Pilgrims had separated themselves from the corrupt church/state system under which they lived in England. Their reason for relocating to America was not, as the state schools teach, for religious freedom - they had that in Holland. Their purpose was to establish a social and political system based on distinctly Christian/biblical principles. Without this commitment, they would never have been able to endure the hardships they faced in their new home.

True holiness/separation begins in the heart. Our unwillingness to be truly separate is an indication that our hearts are not as they should be - "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." The following are offered as a beginning.

Separate from the world's indoctrination system - get your kids out of the state schools. If Christians would withdraw their children en masse, it would have an incalculable impact on the culture. Not only would it remove a huge number of students who would, hopefully, receive a truly Christian education, but it would be a tremendous witness to the world. 

This question should settle the matter for all true Christians: Would the Jews have allowed the Philistines to educate their children? 

If we are unwilling to do such a small thing, do we really imagine that we will be willing to do great things when they are required of us. If we say we are unable to do this, we are saying that God is unable to provide what is necessary to carry out his will. The primary option should be parent directed home education, but every church that has a building could operate a day school. Tuition could be free or minimal to cover expenses. 

Separate from the world's amusements. If one phrase can be used to describe American culture, it is "entertainment obsessed." This obsession is present in virtually every area of our daily experience - even pastors make references to sports in their sermons; Billy Graham features athletes at his crusades. It is characterized by the amount of time and money that are spent on motion pictures, television, sports and the manner in which we assign celebrity status to entertainers and athletes. Most Christians know all about the current movies; they know which teams are in the playoffs; they even know the latest doings of the Kardasian family.

Separate from the world's economic system - consumerism. Get out of debt; do not incur additional debt. Be content with what we have. Lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth.

Separate from the world's political expectations - stop looking for a savior. Christians display the same expectation as the pagan element in our society, i.e. we must find the right person to lead us into the right way (preferably without requiring any work on our part). We argue over which candidate can solve our problems. This mindset dishonors the Lord we claim to serve.

Separate from the world's military mentality. The founders were afraid of a standing army; they knew the damage that such a force could pose to liberty and the tendency toward "meddling" that it encouraged. Our nation has been in almost a constant state of conflict since the second world war - none of it has been for national defense. 

Citizens should only engage in armed conflict when the life of the nation is at state. No concern for "national interest" justifies a Christian engaging in war. It is proper to honor those who serve to protect their country, but it is improper to glorify and celebrate war, and to teach our children that military service is to be pursued.

Separate from the world's support system. Christ never intended for his people to live in isolation; the church was to be a physical community, not merely a gathering place for infrequent worship. The book of Acts describes a people who were united around a common purpose; the sharing characterized by the church at Jerusalem following Pentecost was only possible because of the fellowship and community they shared.

There are, no doubt, additional areas where Christians could be separate; these are offered as a beginning. 

Ultimately, the saving of America is in God's hands. The question is whether we have the will to try.