Decades ago, a great undertaking was commenced. Men put their fortunes on the line for this great new venture, while the world looked on in awe and wonder. I’m not talking about the birth of America. No, nothing quite that extraordinary. I’m talking about the 1912 ocean voyage of the RMS Titanic. Built by master craftsman, sparing no expense, the Titanic was a remarkable accomplishment of extravagance and engineering. In spite of the high hopes held for the ship, it’s maiden voyage ended disastrously.
If you were aboard the Titanic those one-hundred-years ago, and you knew the fate of the vessel, what would you have done? I for one, would have attempted to take the helm. To redirect the mighty ship away from certain destruction. The Titanic bears many similarities to our nation. The eyes of the world are on us, as they were on the Titanic. The economic and social waters are hazardous now as they were for the Titanic. But the most eerie similarity, is that those who sit at the helm are painfully unaware of the tragedy that awaits us, if we do not change course. By looking at nations past, as well as the promises of scripture, we can see America’s course with perfect clarity. Many naysayers declare that we are unquestionably doomed for destruction; that it’s too late to save this ship.
There is one distinct difference between America and the Titanic; a difference that sets the tone for the years to come. The Titanic, unlike most of the ships of that era, was never christened. Never given the commencement ceremonies and prayers of a ship dedicated to the Lord. America was christened by the blood of patriots and pastors who knew without question that if America were to survive even for a few decades, it would be solely by the hand of God.
While the men who built the Titanic boasted, “God himself could not sink this ship,” those men who founded America felt very differently. In 1787, Benjamin Franklin stood before his fellow framers of the Constitution and declared, “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proof I see of this truth that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that “except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel…”
Patriots, we must turn this Titanic from her fatal course. Every day, leaders and thinkers around the country wrestle for the helm of this nation. That helm tilted a little each day, this way or that, in the hearts and minds of the next generation of Americans. You and I are the helm. We have the freedom, as well as the duty that accompanies the freedom, to make a difference. While others debate and protest and holler, you can start forging relationships and taking action. You can run for office, you can play a role in campaigning for a candidate, you can go start a business and donate to the God-fearing men who dare to stand in office! There’s a lot of rhetoric from doomsday prophets and political naysayers filling the airwaves. It is important to be informed, but please, don’t just inform yourself about the course of this ship- Change it.
