By: The Rev. Peggy Means

The prophet Jeremiah saw Israel for what it was – a deteriorating nation! The people of Israel bought into the immorality of the culture – financial corruption, political corruption, and spiritual corruption. The Word of God was contrary to the values that were prevalent in society. Jeremiah could proclaim this same prophesy today. Our culture has embraced what is convenient, immediately gratifying and, of course, without any repercussions!

But every decision has repercussions, doesn’t it? When post abortive women and men tell their stories, there are certain themes that we consistently hear. “I chose abortion because it wasn’t a good time for me to have a baby. “I couldn’t afford another baby.” “It was the only thing that made sense.” “No one asked me what I wanted to do.” Statements like this are usually code for convenience and immediate gratification. Additionally, we hear how the lies of the culture led to judgments and behaviors that led to the decision to abort. The values that are pervasive in our culture make it easy for us to participate in this corruption.

But as God’s people, we not only recognize sin, but we also know that The Lord our God is the salvation of our world. As believers, but more so as shepherds with flock entrusted to our care, it is incumbent on us to proclaim the truth of The Lord, just as Jeremiah did. It is incumbent on us to call out the immorality of our culture. Proclaiming the Word of God, calling sin what it is, and sharing the Good News are all necessary and critical for change. We do this from our pulpits and hear this in our pews, Bible studies and small groups week after week. Prayer, however, must be the foundation of all these actions. Prayer, individually and corporately. The Lord tells us that “…if my people will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). How can we pray?