Sept. 11 changed the way America works in virtually every way. We are now a nation at war with terrorism and our citizens are on guard and in a state of perpetual uneasiness regarding America’s safety.
This Christmas, I rarely heard a prayer wherein people did not ask God to bless America and to provide a hand of safety over our nation. Our awareness that terrorism can strike without warning – and virtually anywhere – is apparent.
The incident with Richard C. Reid – the man caught on board American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris, bound for Miami, apparently with exploding sneakers – indicates that additional terrorist attacks on America are in the works.
Earlier this week, Abdul Haqq Baker, chairman of the Brixton Mosque in south London, told the British Broadcasting Company that Reid was “associated with ‘extreme elements’ at a London mosque and may be one of about 100 would-be suicide bombers.”
This is indeed a frightening warning. Mr. Baker suggested that Reid was sent as a “tester” – someone to learn how serious security is at our airports and in the air.
This week, two counter-terrorism experts told CNSNews.com that the attempted bombing by Reid proves airport security measures are tragically flawed.
“Our security right now at airports is no better than it was on Sept. 10,” said Dr. Neil Livingstone, chairman and CEO of Global Options, LLC, “because we’re doing all of the dumb things and none of the right things.”
“We have not broken the old molds,” added J. Kelly McCann, president and CEO of Crucible Security Specialists.
Thankfully, the crew and passengers of Flight 63 were up to the task of preventing Reid from harming them. But if security efforts on the ground are indeed faulty, can we expect our airways to remain safe in this age of terrorism?
This may indeed be the decade that jihad – or holy war – continuously strikes at America.
Man’s inhumanity to his fellow man is the evidence of human depravity. The Bible reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
The truth is that war between good and evil is far from over. We need to be in fervent prayer – at all times – not just when tragedy strikes. God is using these uncertain times to get our national attention. I continue to talk to many people with hungry hearts. They want godly answers to the questions that arise from these perilous times.
Christian responsibility in the new year
Here are five key areas that require Christian activism in the new year:
- Long ago, God told King Solomon, “If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14) While the immediate context of this promise applies to the nation of Israel, the principle of God blessing those whose hearts are right with Him applies at all times. We must remain in steadfast prayer that God will bless this nation and that our fellow Americans will turn their hearts to Him. I truly believe an unfathomable revival could stem from the present age of terrorism if God’s people truly seek God’s blessing.
- This is also clearly a time for spiritual evaluation by God’s people. We need to ask the tough questions about the condition of our own hearts, like the Psalmist who prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
- We must also be willing to be bold witnesses for Christ, as never before. Political correctness today dictates that Jesus’ claim to be “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6) is selfish and non-inclusive. Nevertheless, we must remain committed to humbly preach Christ as the Hope of man – even at the risk of great criticism. A report in WORLD magazine recently suggested that the Sept. 11 attacks could pave the way toward a one-world religion. We must be on guard in defending the Bible, even when it is not fashionable to do so.
- The Bible commands us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6) This command is just as pertinent today as it was in Old Testament times. While we are praying for the peace of our own land, it is important that we join together in praying for peace in the land that God specifically loves.
- Finally, we need to be in dedicated prayer for President Bush and his administration as they defend our nation and make the difficult decisions that come in times like these. I believe America is a nation blessed by God. It is therefore imperative that God’s people diligently pray for our leaders. Mr. Bush is a serious man of faith, and I know he covets the prayers of the American people.
Crisis sobers a society. It strips away the facade of our own self-indulgence and causes us to take life more seriously. There is no better time for God’s people to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” than right now. The world is looking for answers, and we need to provide them with hearts of love and compassion.
May God continue to bless America!
WATCH Tucker Carlson in Moscow: U.S. is now in a ‘hot war with Russia’
Tucker Carlson