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IT IS STILL NOT TOO LATE

By Dr. Sterling Lands, II

What is it that makes some of us lose sight of truth? Let me suggest three things that blind us: failing to obey GOD’s commandments; being prosperous, at ease, satisfied, and complacent; and possessing pride and a sense of self-sufficiency. In the Old Testament we read, “When your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, that is the time to be careful. Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your GOD, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt.” The results of forgetting GOD are tragic. You forget who you are and you forget humility and develop a sense of self-sufficiency.
If you forget GOD, you forsake Him. And if you forsake GOD, you suffer the judgment of GOD. In too many Churches attended by Black people the principles of GOD have been replaced by the personality of the Church leader. Trouble and sorrow have invaded our communities because of our sin. Negative consequences inevitably follow bad choices. To remove the consequences of sin, the prophet Joel urged repentance that leads to obedience. But, that is a hard solution for some Black preachers because it could mean that we have to give up our obsession with style, form, fashion and things. I am not suggesting that the preacher has to take the vow of poverty. I am suggesting that the preacher renounce the demonstrated vow of opulence.
Repentance isn’t saying, “I’m sorry.” It is a matter of the heart rather than of words, or even of actions. If your heart truly is broken by your sins, and you yearn to return to the Lord, then a change of life will follow. But it must begin in your heart. What GOD wants in repentance is a torn heart. GOD repents when we repent. He turns from His announced intention, responds to genuine repentance, and changes His plan of action from judgment to mercy. When we turn to Him, He turns to us.
Today provides opportunity to accept GOD’s offer of victory. Tomorrow is not promised. There is no time like the present to receive GOD’s forgiveness and victory. Our people suffer in the absence of sincere committed leadership cultivated in the oven of high moral character. Overcoming circumstances is not difficult if you have the proper foundation. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of overcoming faith. The resurrection is an historical fact. Don’t be discouraged by doubters who deny the resurrection. They are wrong. Because he rose and defeated death, we know we will also be raised.
It is still not too late to stand up and shake off the shackles of self importance. It is still not too late to start treating our women with dignity and respect. Men can still be men. When men take their right position as men women will readily raise to the task at hand. It is still not too late to escape the plantation of self indulgence. It is still not too late to encourage our children to reach beyond the idols that have been manufactured by the oppressor to destroy their future. It is still not to late for you to step up to the challenge of reconstructing the Black Church and rescuing the Black family. Joel 2 states, “That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now, while there is time! Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don't tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts. Return to the Lord your GOD, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you.” It is still not too late, but time is running out.