“Then he proceeded to denounce the towns where most of his miracles were done, because they did not repent:…..But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”” Matthew 11:20, 22-24 CSB https://bible.com/bible/1713/mat.11.20-22.CSB

Are we at all curious as to why the United States seems to be inundated with catastrophe, why our economy is so poor, and why our culture increases in violence and degradation? Is it not reflective of the lack of discipleship performed by the Church? The Church is to teach everyone to obey everything the Lord Jesus commands, even as we live in obedience to His commands. As we increase the love of Jesus in the multitudes of our people, those who lead us and teach us will do what is right in God’s eyes, helping all of us to do what is good and pleasing to God, creating a society of love, joy, and peace. The Church is to pray always, but we pray little. Our collective prayers, and even fasting, for mercy upon our nation move God to give mercy, for He delights to do so. His mercy changes hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and other calamities, but if few are praying, little is happening to keep these things from crashing down upon us. The Church must become more serious, committed, and diligent in making disciples, beginning with identifying with Jesus publicly to increase our testimony to the lost. The mission of every Christian is the Great Commission executed through the Great Commandment of love for God and love for neighbor. We must love God most, so we will work for Him first, then love our neighbor as we love ourselves so that we have no one in our lives who will not also live with us for all eternity in the kingdom of God. If we love our nation, our neighbor, and ourselves, we will deny ourselves, take up our cross, and become more intentional in making disciples.