Twin TowersThirteen years have passed since we awakened to the harsh reality that an enemy, guised in the cloak of religion, had determined to brutalize and assault our country. 2,977 died on that infamous day and the mere mention of the date, “9/11”, brings back haunting memories of jet airliners flying into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, reducing them to a pile of rubble in less than 90 minutes.

On September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush delivered a nationally broadcast speech before a joint session of Congress declaring “War on Terror”, reminiscent of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s speech following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.  To date, America’s “War on Terror” has cost 6,834 U.S. military and civilian lives.

Tragically, the majority of Americans feel our nation is as vulnerable as ever to ISISterrorist attacks.  The proliferation of worldwide terrorist networks linked to Islamic militancy and the weakness and incompetency of our nation’s leaders have eroded our confidence and security.  Politicians, Democrat and Republican, have failed to secure our southern border and it is an open gate to an enemy bent on weakening and destroying us.  President Obama and his predecessors have been negligent in protecting our sovereignty as a nation.  Congress is bloated with men and women who care more about their hold on power and partisan politics than they do the strength, health and well-being of our nation.

We, as citizens of this great nation, have only ourselves to blame.  It is our national character we see reflected in our leaders.  We have abandoned the fundamental spiritual principles that made us a great nation.  We have pursued pleasures like the narcissists we have become, at the sacrifice of the immutable, timeless principles that made us the envy of the world.

US ConstitutionWhat has happened to our nation?  Why are we failing on every front? King Solomon answered those questions nearly 3,000 years ago when he taught his son:

Proverbs 11:14 – “Where no counsel is [guidance; good advice], the people [nation; congregation] fall [fail; cast down; perish]: but in the multitude [abundance; plenty] of counselors [advisors; consultants] there is safety [deliverance; help; victory].”

The word “counsel” was used in ancient times for one who steers a ship into safe harbor [today we call him a “harbor pilot”].  A “counsel” or harbor pilot is familiar with the safe channels and dangers of his harbor.  He knows from experience the best route for a ship to follow to safe harbor.Jefferson quote

On this eve of 9/11, the insecurity we sense as a nation is directly related to our lack of confidence in our leaders.  A nation is blessed when its leaders are humble enough to seek counsel and hear the concerns of their constituency. However, when leaders determine to “go it alone” they exacerbate the people and damn the nation.

Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith