Under the Influence

President George Washington once quoted, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
How important is religion in government? Our founding fathers were deeply religious men and this nation was founded upon their religious beliefs. But, with each passing decade, the freedom of religion is being suppressed, especially in this twenty-first century. The name of God has become almost obsolete: His name cannot be spoken at most public events, especially to pray. Yet, other religions have the liberty to cease their workday to pray to their god. They are allowed to observe their holy day. That is a grave injustice to the American people who cannot use the name of Jesus publicly. This nation was founded upon the principles of the Almighty God, yet Americans are not allowed to acknowledge Him in any way.
When one says that the United States of America is no longer a Christian nation, many Americans become outraged. Christianity is our heritage. What would our founding fathers say, knowing how they fought and died for our freedom: the freedom to worship without fear of repercussions? Many people may not live the Christian life as outlined in the Bible, but that does not mean this is not a Christian nation. Rebellion has begun as a result of what is happening in the Unites States today. It was founded upon Christian beliefs and those beliefs hold true.
Our past presidents were men of God who recognized the importance of God in their lives. President Thomas Jefferson, the third president, stated, “it holds the precepts of Jesus, as delivered by Himself, to be the most pure, benevolent and sublime which have been preached to man.“ Written on the front of President Thomas Jefferson’s Bible were these words, “I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be soon rallied to the unity of our Creator.” In a letter to Thomas Jefferson dated, June 28, 1813, John Adams wrote, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved
independence were the general principles of Christianity.“ To say it is not Christian, is disputing the validity of our founding fathers. In a speech on July 4, 1821, John Quincy Adams said, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: “It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” For over 200 years, since our nation was
born, the bonds of government and Christianity have not been broken. Religious groups represent our Congress, but most are of the Christian faith. In this 21 Century, it appears that bond may have begun to break.
At his Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789, President George Washington stated, “Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would particularly improper to omit in my first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the council of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States. “Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have distinguished by some token of providential agency. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. We aught to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven cannot be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which heaven itself was ordained.” Whether, Jew , Muslim, Buddha, or any other religion practiced, the majority of people in the United Stares are Christians. This nation was founded on the religion of Jesus Christ. And, He represents Christianity.
Our founding fathers recognized that exercising the religion based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ was very important. President Thomas Jefferson asked, “Can the
liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice is forever”. Jefferson recognized the need for this young nation to be under the influence of the Almighty God or else suffer the consequences.
These Presidents were loved and respected by all who knew them. By their powerful influence, they made significant changes throughout the entire world. Their legacy depicts them, not only as influential men, but also as godly men; God was acknowledged in many of their speeches. One’s influence can be very powerful, whether for good or for evil. Being courageous is almost a thing of the past. People are not taking a stand for what they believe is right and they are becoming more intolerant of the wickedness that plaques the world today; things which were once considered immoral are now acceptable. Many are being influenced by the world’s standards rather than biblical. When one is intoxicated by the use of a chemical substance, especially alcohol or drugs, he or she is said to be “under the influence.” These drugs control their subjects. But, is not the only way to have power over anyone. One can under the influence of other people. Influence is that invisible force in one‘s personality that causes others to act. This invisible force can be very powerful, and it can affect everyone. People have the power to sway or persuade others to their way of thinking by example or by a very forceful personality. This kind of influence could be more damaging than alcohol or drugs because it controls the person. Under the influence of another person can have devastating effects especially if the influence is of an evil nature. Everyone is susceptible. Families have been totally destroyed because of influential people who lead them in the wrong direction. Enticing one to do wrong knowingly, by whatever means, will eventually bring their downfall. Even ministers are not immune. If their heart is not focused on God, they could easily lead their family and the church astray by their worldly influence or advice.
Their continued influence may have led to his disobedience in serving God. Although he knew not where he was going, Abraham never questioned God. By faith, he simply obeyed. To overcome the influence of those who lead you astray, have the courage to stand against their evil influence. Resisting worldly influences takes strength of character. Just as Washington and Jefferson’s life was influenced by the guidance of God, the same can be said of our other founding fathers whose lives were governed by the laws of God. Learning the history of our nation will prove that our founding fathers were men of faith under God’s influence.
Over the course of these 200 years, many significant changes have been made, some for good, but there are some changes that have detrimental to our nation. If our nation is no longer Christian, it is because our leaders have been under the influence of ungodly people who have removed themselves farther from the teachings of God.
There are those who may entice one to do wrong. For instance, if the mind is centered only on the things of the world, one could have a very disastrous ending.