By Robert Griffin

George Washington, our first U.S. president, said, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God or the Bible.” Powerful words uttered by the man we call “The Father of Our Country.”

While planning my February calendar, I couldn’t help but think of Washington’s quote. February gives much attention to U.S. presidents, beginning with Lincoln’s Birthday. Then, there is Presidents Day, and later, Washington’s Birthday.

With Washington’s quote in mind, I did a little research into what presidents said about the Bible. Interestingly, many presidents either wrote about or talked about the Scriptures positively. Several presidents, even in recent times, quoted the Scriptures in their inaugural addresses. Not long ago, former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed 1983 as the national “Year of the Bible.”

Isn’t it wonderful to know how many presidents looked to the Bible for guidance and direction? Also, further investigation doubtless will show the Bible was an important foundation upon which our nation was established.

However, lately, it seems like our country has drifted away from our biblical moorings. For example, displays of the Ten Commandments are no longer welcomed in public places. Also, rising evil in our nation suggests many Americans are not living according to scriptural precepts.

Today, we hear many Christian leaders discussing the need for spiritual renewal in our beloved country. This is true. But how will this revival be realized?

Definitely, America needs to return to the Bible as an anchor that will hold us in turbulent times. How can we restore our biblical roots? Let me suggest three actions essential to returning to God’s Word, the Bible.

First, we ought to love the Bible. In Psalm 119:97, Israel’s King David declared, “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Moreover, love, like the presidents, is important in February because of Valentine’s Day. Certainly, you wouldn’t dare forget the love of your life on Valentine’s Day. Christian, don’t neglect your Bible. Like the Psalmist, we should all fall in love again with the Bible.

Next, we need to learn the Bible. There are numerous ways to learn the Bible. You can attend a Bible-believing church to listen to and learn from Bible teaching and preaching. Still, nothing can beat personal Bible study as the best method to learn the Bible.

Last, but not least, we must live the Bible. What a disgrace it would be for any person to learn about the Bible but not practice it. The Bible itself warns us of the danger of just learning about the Bible and not obeying it. James 1:22 asserts, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

The significance of foundations cannot be underestimated. Indeed, the Bible is a necessary foundation for individuals, families, churches and nation.

Therefore, let me urge you to consider the following question: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

The Rev. Robert Griffin is pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Clanton. Look for another installment of his column in a future edition of The Clanton Advertiser.