“Land of the free” is a phrase that’s been used for America since 1814 when Francis Scott Key penned the poem that would become the Star Spangled Banner. But how long will this freedom last? Abraham Lincoln said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” He knew that for people to remain free, they must nurture morality. America’s leaders aren’t the only ones who believe this. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said, “Freedom will destroy itself if it is not exercised within some sort of moral framework, some body of shared beliefs, some spiritual heritage…”

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

Proverbs 21:7

What happens to a person or country when morality and justice aren’t nurtured? Today’s verse says their own violence will sweep them away. Do you see evidence of this today in the United States? Turn on the news. Destruction lies where people refuse to do the right thing.

America’s history is filled with times it came together to fight for freedom. Pray for Americans and especially Christians to stand as one so the country will stay free – and not become as those described in today’s recommended reading.

Recommended Reading: Jude 1:3-13