A Spirit-Filled Pastor's Fiery Response to Mitt Romney's 'America Is in Denial'
A recent article by Mitt Romney titled "America Is in Denial" caught my eye when a news group boldly proclaimed, "Romney Warns Nation at Risk." Romney opened with, "Even as we watch the reservoirs and lakes of the West go dry, we keep watering our lawns, soaking our golf courses, and growing water-thirsty crops. As inflation mounts and the national debt balloons, progressive politicians vote for ever more spending." He continued, "The left thinks the right is at fault for ignoring climate change and the attacks on our political system. The right thinks the left is the problem for ignoring illegal immigration and the national debt. But wishful thinking happens across the political spectrum. More and more, we are a nation in denial." I'm Still Confused I wholeheartedly agree that we are a nation in denial, but the conclusions that Mitt Romney draws concern me. He goes on to bash Trump while completely glossing over the election shenanigans. He then adds that "President Joe Biden is a genuinely good man." Confused? So was I. To be clear: As a Christian pastor, I genuinely love our leaders on both sides of the political spectrum. I try to season my words with grace and respect their position, and I pray for them often. But to call Biden good and Trump basically the scorn of the earth is a quantum leap. (What is a good person? Watch my answer here on Fox News). Clouded Conclusions—Mitt Missed It Granted, I wish humility and gentleness were marks of the Trump presidency and the characteristic of most Republicans, but that isn't the case. Deep repentance must take place on both sides of the political aisle. Although I appreciate Mitt's heart (I truly believe that he cares for America), his conclusions, like those of many others, are clouded by his hatred for MAGA. To blame this group for America's chaotic downward spiral while totally ignoring the slaughtering of millions of children over the decades and the illicit sexual perversion that pulsates in our veins is the height of arrogance. I'd be more worried about Nancy Pelosi and the Left's agenda, and statements such as, "Drag queens are 'what America is all about.'" Excuse me, but when did we drift into never-never land? As I wrote in Shootings, Sin, Suffering: What Can Turn America Around?, "America's decadence and depravity—from mass shootings and extreme violence to sexual abuse and perversion—is a direct result of rejecting God and suppressing the truth (cf. Romans 1)." That's the problem, and Mitt missed it. Silence Speaks Volumes As a pastor and a parent, I have a hard time understanding why many are silent about the outright perversion and decadence in our nation. Silence speaks volumes. While I'm at it, I don't know what's more disheartening—the anger of many because Roe v. Wade was overturned or the silent pastors and "Christian" leaders who said nothing? Biblically speaking, when a person or a nation is in denial, there is only one solution, one hope and one cure: They must repent and turn back to God — period. We are too far gone to leave our fate in the hands of man. Only God Himself can resuscitate our nation and revive us from spiritual death. We need leaders who fear God, love others, and have the boldness to steer us through treacherous waters. Missed It Again by a Country Mile I'm sure it wasn't his intent, but Mitt's article seemed to suggest that he is more worried about the climate than being contrite, and the National Debt more than our debt to God. Romney continues, "A return of Donald Trump would feed the sickness, probably rendering it incurable." Yes, a return to our old ways no doubt would. My prayer is that if Mr. Trump runs again, it's because he has had a genuine encounter with God and owns his past mistakes and humbles himself. You'd be amazed at what God can do with humility. Regardless, we need a humble but bold leader; one who fears God more than man. It's sad that a person like Mitt Romney would not mention our desperate need to return to God. We are in denial alright, but Mitt's article missed it by a country mile! Why no mention in Mitt's article of innocent babies being protected, terror being restrained, good judges being selected, socialism being resisted, and God's wisdom being sought is beyond me. Come Take My Hand America, wake up! Just like an addict, we are in denial. Like the alcoholic that blames his spouse for his problems, we too are blinded by pride and self-righteousness. A famous poem from an unknown author about addiction ends with a fitting description of America. I changed some of the content to address our dangerous path to the abyss. I destroy homes, tear families apart, take your children, and that's just the start. I'm more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold, the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold. Just try me once and I might let you go, but try me twice, and I'll own your soul. America, you knew this would happen. Many times, you were told, but you challenged pride's power, and chose to be bold ... now arrogance is your master and you will be its slave. It will even go with you when you go to your grave. Now that you have heard the warnings, what will you do? Will you repent or wallow in sin? It's all up to you. Pride can bring you more misery than words can tell. If you take her hand, she will lead you to hell. America, it's not too late. Repent and return to God (Mal. 3:7). He is our only hope. Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Leona Valley, California. He also began the Westside Christian Fellowship Radio Network—WCFRadio.org—in 2019. His sermons, books, articles and radio program have sparked change in many people's lives.
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