The Real Threat

The Real Threat

I have heard some say the main threat to America today is our political unrest. But I feel there are some “real threats” that Americans know, but are not talking about. One may say it is the power of the Internet, especially social media, as it is used to recruit, to spread untruths, and to push radical ideologies. The people who use the Internet hide behind keyboards and feel safe from international law. Others may say the main threat to America is foreign terrorism. Certainly there are terrorist cells all over the world that want to destroy our nation. However, we have our own homegrown terrorists right here among us, including anti-government groups, socialist movements, white supremacist and radical gangs in all parts of this country. Then there is illegal immigration, which can threaten our daily life in ways we have not yet fully realized. Illegal immigration brings illegal drugs, sex and human traffickers and takes American jobs. Illegal immigration affects our health and educational systems, increasing our insurance rates and using our tax dollars. Illegal immigration has also been implicated in election interference.

Now lets look at the “real threat.” Make no mistake about it; there are four hostile powers in the world that want to destroy this nation in the worst way. There are China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. These countries either have or are trying desperately to obtain weapons of mass destruction. All of these countries have cyber criminals and hackers constantly playing the game of cyberspace warfare and are becoming more sophisticated every day. They are using the Internet in ever increasing destructive ways; just look what they did in our last election. They are using remote institutions, malware and other advanced cyber techniques to access networks and information.

I am sure the leaders of these nations, as well as our other enemies, must be laughing and dancing in the streets to see how they have interfered in our democracy and to see our nation in such turmoil. China and Russia have been flooding our country with tons of illegal drugs for decades by way of Mexico. These drugs are destroying the very fabric of this nation. The cost of the drug trade in this country in relation to our economy, health care and our personal lives is beyond imagination. These countries send their worst to illegally enter our southern border. When they enter, the cost to house, educate and provide health care for these illegals is astronomical. It is just another way to deplete our nation’s wealth. Last, but not least, the very nature of our democracy may be its own worst enemy. Un-American and “un-Christian” radical ideologies can threaten the very Constitution of the United States by way of the popular vote; a very sobering thought.

Our national leaders, military, policy makers, law enforcement and the American people must wake up and understand the “real threats” to this country and whom we are fighting. For me, I am afraid the leaders of our nation are so worried about obtaining and keeping power that they have become blinded and divided, thus have become unprepared to meet these “real threats.” Remember the words in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles is God’s covenant promise to Israel and gives insight into how God interacted with His people, the Jewish nation, especially during the “reigns of the kings.”
What the Bible says about the end-time events culminating applies to the sudden collapse of powerful nations and empires throughout history. Just look at the collapse of the Soviet Union over a short period of five years. It was perceived the Soviet Union would be a challenge to deal with for years to come. This proved powerful nations and empires with complex leaderships can fail in a short time. The lack of confidence in a nation’s sustainability and future, even while strong, can change the balance of power and cause its downfall.

Seemingly, insignificant world events can suddenly trigger out of control situations, such as the assassination of Austrian Archduke Ferdinand in 1914, which fused World War I. Remember in 2008 when Americans began defaulting on their loans because of the faulty practices of large financial institutions. This brought down Wall Street and left repercussions across Europe and Asia. This all happened in a relatively short period of time and the global economy is still recovering.

We have to realize the Bible is a chronicle of nations that rose and fell according to God’s plan and purpose. All of these nations played key roles in their relationship to Israel. We must put into perspective how the modern world is moving toward end times. In Daniel 2:21 it says, “God removes kings and raises up kings.” Whether we want to believe the Bible or not, God determines the course of nations. If nations are not in accord with the counsel of God, in the end they will pass from the world scene. When a nation breaks God’s laws, it is in serious trouble. In our homes, in our churches and in our educational institutions we as a nation have failed our children to teach them the real meaning of life and give them the skills to be successful. Many of our young kids see no hope for the future and this is why the suicide rate for their age group has skyrocketed in recent years.

In Revelation, it speaks of a combination of religion and politics that controls the world for a short but significant time. The world will be lulled into a sense of peace and security in the guise of safety and security, but this system is fundamentally weak. In the end, this system will fail (Revelation 17:16). In Luke 21:34-35 it says, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” This is Christ’s warning to people in normal everyday life who will be caught unaware of God’s prophecy. To ignore or to deny God’s hand in history is a sobering thought. The words of the prophets, including Christ, show us the need to understand why nations suddenly collapse.

In the past, America has been the “defender” of the “free world.” We have protected Europe, allowing their economies to rebuild. The Navy has kept the seas open to commerce. Our armed forces have defeated terrorism and today is dealing with rogue nations. But all of this comes at a high cost. America’s national debt is already causing us to slowly retreat from this historic role, thus a warning to our role as a superpower.

Bonefish