How Can Things Begin When Everything Seems To Have Ended?

Even though it is only a few weeks into the summer I am already faced with three questions that will make you look in the mirror. First is where is America spiritually? Second Where is my family spiritually? Third where am I spiritually? I was reading this morning in Proverbs and chapter one struck a chord in relations to the first question. In verses 1-7 there is a charge to every Christian that coincides with the Great Commission of Matthew 28:16-20. The rest of the chapter is talking about the people that we should steer clear of, but I couldn't help but notice that the American Church has many if not all these traits in abundance and it made me think. Am I doing what I have been asked to do by God? Or am I just going through the motions? Another passage I read was 2 Timothy 4:1-8. In verses 1-5 there is once again another charge for every Christian that coincides with Matthew 28:16-20. In verses 6-8 Paul is talking about himself and I pray that one day I will be able to speak the same in all honesty. God has been working very hard on my heart and one of the many things that the spiritual future of America starts with the individual.  It starts with me and you, then it moves to the family, then it moves to the nation. However, becoming a stronger Christian is never an easy feat it takes patience and the ability to let go of everything. If you can let go of everything relationships, needs, wants, everything from the simplest thing to being willing to give up your life, you will notice that in turn you grow stronger. These aren't just thoughts these are requests made to you from God.