Pew research just published its updated numbers on the state of religion in the US. It’s not a good story if you’re a believer. The secularization of our country continues. Fewer people associate themselves with a religion, go to any church or even pray daily. I would have thought with all that is going on in the world with the pandemic, lawlessness, economic hardships et al, that turning to God would be a natural pivot. One would think the adage of “everyone gets religion on their deathbed” should be taking hold in these times.
Materialism and succumbing to earthly things are human nature. Jesus exhorted us to eschew these temporary enjoyments for an eternity of bliss. Kind of like betting on the come and the opposite of immediate gratification. Denying oneself, even if its something of little value, is not in our DNA as humans. In this regard, we’re all children and left alone in a candy store, we’ll imbibe to our hearts content.
With this as a backdrop, one has to consider everything put in front of you. Do I really NEED this or is it a want? Is the prospect of an “easier” life because someone or thing is going to pave the way really in my best interest? Is sacrifice of a want really a sacrifice at all? I dare say the people along the path of the tornadoes this past weekend have a new appreciation for faith. To many of them, saying OMG is not considered praying. They now realize more clearly, the difference between need and want. The vast majority of us are sheltered from having a traumatic event thrust upon us. When is does happen, I pray you’ll get religion.
Current Day Publius 