Recognizing and Addressing the Moral Crisis in Our Nation
The Meaning of Bankruptcy: Beyond Finances
When most people hear the word “bankruptcy,” their minds instantly turn to financial hardship. They think of the inability to pay debts and the resulting personal devastation. Yet, there is another bankruptcy that’s even more profound: spiritual bankruptcy. As a nation, we are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. It is increasingly clear that leaders from all political backgrounds are largely oblivious to the real dangers we face.
The Heart of the Issue: Spiritual and Moral Decay
America’s greatest challenge today is not just political or economic—it is a spiritual and moral crisis. Our collective heart is troubled. Many have forsaken their first love, exchanging genuine faith for distortions of the gospel (see Revelation 2:4). Our nation was founded on ideals of liberty and justice for all. These were principles forged in the fires of debates over slavery, racism, sexism, immigration, and voting rights. It is striking and sobering that we continue to wrestle with many of these same issues in our time.
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”— Franklin D. Roosevelt
Leadership and Self-Interest
Today, our national leaders rarely unite for the good of the entire country. Too often, personal or party interests eclipse the well-being of “we the people.” A spirit of entitlement and privilege has taken root, prioritizing self or faction over the common good. The Apostle Paul’s words in II Timothy seem uncannily relevant:
“For people will be lovers of self. They will be utterly self-centered. They will be lovers of money, aroused by an inordinate (greedy) desire for wealth. They will be proud, arrogant, and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane. They will be without natural (human) affection. They will be callous and inhuman. They will be relentless, admitting of no truce or appeasement. They will be slanderers, acting as false accusers and troublemakers. They will be intemperate and loose in morals and conduct. They will be uncontrolled and fierce. They will be haters of good. (They will be) treacherous (betrayers), rash, (and) inflated with self-conceit. (They will be) lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. For (although) they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it (their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession)” (2 Tim. 3-5 AMP).
The Need for Righteous Leadership
Societies can’t function without leadership. The Book of Judges illustrates the chaos, lawlessness, and moral bankruptcy that prevailed among the Israelites before kings were established. Scripture teaches that all authority is established by God. Governing authorities serve as God’s servants for our good (see Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2:1-2). When we resist legitimate government, we resist God. That’s why prayer for our leaders and all in authority is so vital. The Bible also tells us that when the righteous lead, the people rejoice. Still, when the ungodly rule, the people suffer (Proverbs 29:2).
Our Call to Prayer and Action
I urge you to pray that our nation’s leaders seek wisdom from God in all their decisions. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” What we desperately need are leaders who pursue righteousness and the common good, not personal gain.
The Church’s Opportunity
The Church is uniquely positioned to bring positive change. This can be through prayer or through engagement in the spheres of influence we’ve been given. These efforts are to preach the gospel and make disciples. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance” (Psalm 33:12). Yet, too often, we crave the blessing without committing to prayer or disciple-making.
A Closing Blessing
May the grace, joy, and peace of God be yours through Jesus Christ, our loving Lord. To Him be the glory, now and forever.
Blessings,
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 