Where no vision, the people perish.

This is a familiar text from Prov.29:18, and, as it stands, contains some truth. But unfortunately, it is a very poor translation. The text should read, "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint." (NKJV).

What this translation is teaching us is that where there is no word from God, where the Word from God has been blocked and/or silenced, where God is no longer heard to speak into the situations of individuals, families, churches, societies and nations, the inevitable result is that the people live as they please. "Every man does that which is right in his own eyes," (Judg.17:6).

Look at our country, or any other country, and you will see that where God is not heard to speak, lawlessness reigns. The people simply "cast off restraint." No heed is paid to the law, or to the good of society. The health and safety of others is cast aside, and their property targeted for incendiary attack and looting. The police become the focus of violent attack and innocent bystanders or other civilians who are seeking to protect their own property, are swept aside without compunction, regardless of whether they live or die. Where there is no living and authoritative word from God, this is what inevitably happens.

But listen! Where the church of Jesus Christ is not sounding the trumpet call to repentance and faith in Christ alone for salvation and deliverance, then people are left leaderless. Our nation is a nation without leadership - from either church or state. Pandering to the desires and wishes of special interest groups has left the people rudderless. Having to keep in with where the greatest threat is perceived to come from, means that all others must submit to that threat; therefore no leadership. The church of today is like a shell without the kernel - useless. She is as useful as an ask-tray on a motor-bike. She no longer has an authoritative message for our needy nation. And because of this, she does not get any respect from the people, and also, may I add, from many Christians!

Get back to God, ere it's too late!