We may never know what motivated the would-be assassin to make an attempt to assassinate former president Donald Trump. However, without knowledge of his reason for acting in such a way, there are some assumptions and conclusions that we can deduct from this act.

First, it is obvious that he acted out what many others would do if given the chance. I don’t make this as an accusation, but simply as one making observations from our present political climate. The animosity that is openly displayed from both sides of the political aisle is nothing less than a seething boiling pot of dislike, if not pure hatred, from many on both sides.

Second, it shows an absolute disdain for the recognition of the sanctity of life. For one to wantonly, recklessly, with obvious hatred in his heart toward the former president, try to take his life, with no regard for anyone else who might be in his line of fire, is a clear indication that he has no regard nor respect for another human life. No one will ever know how many more shots would have been fire had he not been killed.

Third, this is a clear display of the fact that the United States of America has become so divided, so divisive, that it would probably not be a surprise to anyone if civil war breaks out in the aftermath of the upcoming presidential election, regardless of which candidate is elected. I don’t mean to come across as an alarmist, and I certainly pray that this never happens, but there is so much hatred between Republicans and Democrats that it seems all civility is being completed abandoned. The act of an attempted assassination is a clear indication of this fact.

In the opinion of this writer, this downhill trajectory of our nation can be traced back to declining voice of Christians. We are to be the heralds of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness. Where is that voice? Where are the voices of truth that should be sounding forth the claims of Scripture? Are we allowing ourselves to be silenced by those who oppose the message? Are we being subdued by those who disagree with us? Are the voices of opposition causing us to lose our voice, and thus our influence?

Allow me, in closing, to share that well-known and oft-quoted verse from the Old Testament:

If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land. Second Chronicles 7:14

Sometimes what we fail to do is take into consideration the context of this verse. This statement is made by God to Solomon after the dedication of the temple. That night, after the dedication, God appeared to Solomon. This is the message Solomon heard:

Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: ‘I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people… Second Chronicles 7:12-14a

The drought, the locusts, and the pestilence are all acts of God in judgment against His people because they have walked away from Him. Spiritual drought brought about all these disasters. But God promised that when His people would come to their senses and turn back to Him, then He would hear, forgive, and heal.

We desperately need God to hear, forgive, and heal. Would you join with me in praying for our nation? Would you pray that God would provide leaders who will turn this nation back to God? Would you pray for God’s protection for those who are running for office? Would you pray for the forgiveness this nation so desperately needs as we have turned our backs upon Him? And will you pray for God to bring this nation back to what our forefathers envisioned this nation to be: a nation whose God is the LORD.

God help us!