“Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
This proverb is unique. Most of the time these sayings of wisdom are directed to individuals. As a result, this one stands out. “Righteousness” is a common word in the book, describing compliance to God’s laws in thought and action. So, here it is talking about an entire nation that is living right. Wow! Show me that nation and I’ll book my flight immediately!
Sadly, no such nation exists. John burst that bubble when he said “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). There’s the problem. Nations have chosen the path of sin (which Solomon says “is a disgrace”). The desire to follow sensual lusts, to covet more (of everything) has conquered the minds of nations throughout the world.
So what should we do? Throw up our hands and give up, resigning to this awful truth? Not a chance. Instead, here is the proper course of action:
First, do what is right regardless of what others are doing. God sees the nation, but he also sees the individual. We will not be judged as a group. You will be judged by yourself and so will I (John 5:28, 29; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15). The plea “well everyone is doing it” will not resonate with God!
Second, believe in the power of influence. Christians are the “salt of the earth.” They are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). Did you get that? “The earth” and “the world”! I think that covers all of the nations, doesn’t it? Through the power of God we can impact the world for good.
Third, begin with one soul at a time. The apostle Andrew is mentioned a meager 12 times in the New Testament (mostly in listings with the other apostles). However, in John 1:41 he brings his brother Peter to Jesus. Peter, who became one of the leading apostles and preached the first gospel sermon (Acts 2) is mentioned over 120 times! We never know what that one soul might mean to world evangelism.
Denny Petrillo
