May I arrest your attention for a few moments to suggest some answers about why America faces moral bankruptcy? Oh, that we would be awakened to the judgment upon evil! I speak primarily to America, but let all others listen and learn. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17). The alternative is "Repent." We will experience either a moral and spiritual revival or the judgment of Almighty God. God only knows whether the hour is already too late.

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 74:34). The root of the problem is sin! But we blame others -- the President or government officials. Remember, weakness in leadership chosen from the people suggests a weak-minded society. Likewise, corruption in government points to corruption among the people.

God may not preserve America as a nation. Only He knows whether that will be a part of His all-wise agenda. But that is not the point. We know that the final Judgment will be based on personal accountability. The Bible says, "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12). God will not compare America with Russia, nor Pakistan with India. Neither will a whole nation be saved or punished because of one man or a particular group of men. Each person will give account of himself to God. So that is where we must focus any attempt at adjustment. Individuals must repent before there will be any recovery. Therefore, rather than focus on the problems of government or others, we need to look at some basics in our own lives.

1. Honesty. "Provide things honest in the sight of all men." A banker recently said that be does not expect most of his customers to tell the truth. Consider all the untold extortion, embezzlement and fraudulent misuse of government funds. We see that honesty has been lost. But people excuse themselves and say, "Everyone does it." True followers of Jesus do not cheat. An honest person will lose money, reputation, or life rather than tell a lie.

2. Work Ethics. "If any would not work, neither should he eat." Let every able-bodied man do an honest day's labor for his pay. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23). Many stumble at these Bible answers because they are so simple.

3. Morals. "Keep thyself pure." "Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." Purity to many people is a joke. But the path of impurity leads to hell, and hell is no joke. Venereal disease is only the beginning of God's judgment on immorality today. "Who can find a virtuous woman?" Who goes to the marriage altar morally pure today? Whatever happened to modesty and propriety in dress and conduct? Where are the solid, happy marriage unions as God planned them to be?

The true child of God can testify of great satisfaction, of an abundant, full life when he keeps himself from the filth of this world and takes God's way. Satisfaction and fulfillment can be yours. God will have mercy upon you if you take His way.

Parents, we must teach these and other basics in our homes both by precept and example. How can we teach our children honesty if we cheat on our tax returns or in our business dealings with our fellow men?

How can we teach our children the work ethic if we have the philosophy "Get as much money as you can for as little work as possible"? This brings into focus the corruption and idleness promoted by many labor organizations today.

Fathers, how shall we teach our sons moral purity if we are engaging in extramarital affairs or obscene talk? How shall we keep our youth from drug and alcohol addiction if we ourselves are relying on cigarettes and beer to soothe our nerves?

Mothers, you must teach your daughter the demoralizing effect that exposing her body will have on the opposite sex. Then, by God's grace, show her how to properly clothe and conduct herself so that she encourages good behavior and not evil. Teach her how to contribute to society by the expressions of a godly spirit. Then her influence will reach into eternity.

Oh, parents, wherever you are, go home, get on your knees with your family, and cry to God for mercy! He will forgive and pardon. Receive Jesus Christ into your heart to cleanse it from sin. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God" (John 1:12). "Neither is there salvation in any other" (Acts 4:12).

Fathers, mothers, and children, if you take your proper place in the family unit, you can build for God. Get back to the basics -- back to the Bible. God and His ways are the only hope for the salvation of ourselves and our families.

Will God save America? He only knows. Whether He does or doesn't, you can be saved, and you can help to save your family.

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6,7).