Sodom-America?

Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.

I believe that most of us have heard of Sodom. If you are like me, you have always viewed that city as a nasty disgusting stench, far nastier than any place around. I had always pictured it as a combination of the worst traits of Vegas, New Orleans and San Francisco. Growing up I was thankful that there were no places like that around, and I was glad that those bad people got what they deserved!

Ezekiel 16 will make you think that through that erroneous theology a couple of hundred times. What was their wickedness? They were rich and proud and did not share with the poor and needy. They did abominations before God as well. I wish that I was dreaming as I type this, but does that not perfectly describe America in 2010? What do we deserve? Honestly look around and let it soak in. Our culture has little to no regard for God. Our greed and pride have reached a new level, as we invent new ways to take advantage of others so that we can have more stuff. Lustfulness,Homosexuality, Drunkenness, Pornography and Drug Addiction (even if it is prescribed) have firmly taken the place of God as fulfiller, sustainer and healer among many Americans. No matter what anyone will tell you, those are blatant and gross sins against God that separate many people from Him and His love.

Take it a step closer and ask the question: does Ezekiel 16:49-50 describe me? Am I prideful? Do I use my blessings to aid the needy or do I hoard them for myself?

These are hard questions but tough ones we must ask ourselves. I am sure there were some folks in Sodom the day it was destroyed wishing they could get a re-do!

So what are we to do? How about listen to God: Micah 6:8 " He has told you oh man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk Humbly for your God."

Do you believe the truth of Proverbs 21:13? " Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor, will call out and not be answered".

Again, we must all come clean before a Mighty God, calling on Jesus to regenerate and sanctify our hearts by faith is the only way to flea from Sodom or Sodom-America.