And the Rest of the World

I have often wondered how the"good God-fearing Christians" of Germany could have supported Adolf Hitler and participated in his atrocities.  How could the German Churches have supported him and sent the their sons off to kill and butcher others in the name of God?  I remember when I was in the military and the Lord Jesus saved me and opened my eyes, how the motto of the Strategic Air Command ( "Peace is Our Profession" ) suddenly struck me as utter hypocrisy and a LIE.  How in the name of peace could we be willing to destroy hundreds of millions if not billions in order to "preserve our way of life?"  And as I learned more of American history I have become increasingly incensed with the willingness of government and corporate power to sacrifice the lives of others (usually non-Americans) for the sake of profit.   I've wondered how a President who calls himself a follower of Jesus can be willing to kill tens of thousands who never raised a hand against the United States in order to "protect America."

Then, yesterday, I was driving by Walmart and saw a sign over the Murphy/Walmart gas station saying, "CARTONS at LOW, LOW PRICES," and the Spirit of the Lord Jesus opened my eyes.  It is public knowledge, common knowledge, proven by study after study, and even mandated by government warning label on every pack of cigarettes, that tobacco causes cancer, heart disease and death.  Yet Walmart willingly sells cigarettes knowing full well that people will die from smoking them, in order to make a few dollars profit.  The CDC says, "Each year, more than 400,000 Americans die from cigarette smoking."  What is the price that Walmart would have to pay for refusing to sell cigarettes? Would they risk losing a few dollars profit and possibly see their stock price fall?

Friend, the issue is not Walmart alone.  The truth is far deeper and broader.   Every corner gas station and grocery store chooses to sell cigarettes in spite of the fact that everyone KNOWS that they kill.  And it is not only about cigarettes.   The thing about tobacco is we KNOW it kills when used as directed.  It is not the abuse of tobacco that kills, but its mere use.  Yet we willingly sell it!   The government willingly permits its sale and even subsidizes it production and encourages its export.

That my friend is what makes this so appalling:  The willingness of the COMMON MAN to see his neighbors DIE in order that he might make a few cents more PROFIT.   The worst that might happen to a person that refuses to participate in this MANIFEST EVIL is that he might lose his job. "Its just cigarettes, what's the big deal?"   This is the big deal: We willingly participate in evil if it brings even a small advantage to us personally!  Oh how we cover our eyes to our own wickedness!  And it is not just wickedness in high places and among the rich and powerful, but the evil that dwells in the hearts of "good people."  One of the truly terrible effects of sin is that it blinds us to the awfulness of our own evil.

Many ask, "How could God send good people to hell?"  Here then is your answer!   They are the worst kind of monsters: murderers and drug pushers!  Willing to take part in the destruction of millions for a little comfort, for a few more dollars!   How many of your neighbors are YOU willing to see die that YOU might maintain your standard of living?  How many in Iraq or Iran are YOU willing to see die in order that you might have gas in your tank?  Do not imagine that you are different than those that guarded the death camps and oversaw the slaughter of the Jews!  Do not imagine that your hands are clean and that you would never take part in such things!   The same evil that enabled the good Germans to do their duty, motivates and fills your heart as well, O' descendant of Adam, brother of Cain.

Is this not why Jesus said, "that unless a man is born again he will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven."  Unless we permit God to remove our hearts of stone and give us a new heart and a new spirit, we will never enter Heaven's gates.

God says you will be judged by your works.  Christian, be warned that no pretense of calling Jesus, 'Lord, Lord' will save you.  Do not deceive yourself into thinking that you are 'saved' while you go through life pursuing the things and pleasures of this world.  Only radical heart surgery can save you.  Only truly being born of the Spirit will bring you into the light.   REPENT!  REPENT NOW!  Let God open your eyes to your own wickedness and the wickedness of this world and nation.  Abhor yourself and your sin.  Cry out to Christ Jesus to save you from yourself! 

"Be saved from this perverse generation!"