This week I watched a film produced in the 1980’s. The Monster Squad targeted an audience of kids, ranging from age 8 to 12. I guess you could say this movie was like the Lost Boys for elementary and junior high students. While I found the plot to be interesting, I was caught off guard by the language used by these young actors. Ashley Bank plays Phoebe, a five year old sister of the founder of the Monster Squad who meet in a treehouse. Curse words fly throughout this film, a precursor to how millennials now live.
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? – Psalm 80:19
Either I lived in a bubble growing up in Delaware or I was extreme naïve to the cultural transformation that was gradually occurring. When I cursed in public or said something inappropriate, neighbors rebuked me and on occasion told my parents. In my little world, right and wrong was clearly defined. Somewhere along the way, apathy, the absence of morality and a lack of integrity has allowed unethical behavior to run rampant. By watching this depiction of life, God revealed to me how America has gotten to where we are today.
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? – Psalm 85:6
When civilizations, countries and nations begin to fall apart, God uses revival to get people back on track. In the gospel of John chapter 15 , Jesus uses an analogy of a living vine with branches. This vine symbolizes the source for life, like water for human beings. Anyone who attempts to live without remaining connected to this vine will eventually die. Therefore, before it’s too late, individuals should cry out to God for restoration. However, unless you respond to conviction, hearts will grow cold. While I can now see how America has reached this current spiritual condition, I know that revival is the only way back to the place where the Lord wants you to be.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 