Isn't it interesting how the presumed meaning of the expression "I ____ a dream" changes based on past or present tense -- "had" verses "have?"
When one says they "have a dream" it isn't clear to others whether that person has a fantastic fantasy OR a hopeful desire for some possibility. In my case, my dream is both a hopeful desire AND a fantastic fantasy.
Whereas, I believe in the power of the Word* to reveal, sustain and transform people; My dream is that studying the bible can fix many of America's serious problems.
Most Americans are not biblical literalists. Nor do most Americans believe the Word is truly Devinely inspired. Nor do they believe in a "living God" and a supernatural world with a relationship between heaven and earth in which blessings and curses can come down.
God has been driven out of schools and homes. Children no longer receive a religious education. And in my opinion the education children do receive is often woefully poor and inadequate.
Most Americans do not not read, study and understand the Bible. A survey from 2021 found that only 11% of Americans even read the Bible daily--a rate that has fallen dramatically over the last 60 years.
I personally believe that is the reason for many of the problems in America. Therein lies the solution. It stands to reason that if we reversed the figures and 90% of Americans studied the Bible daily the beneficial effects would be amazing.
Could it be that simple?
To begin with, as a result of regular reading and study, even non-believers would start to believe in the Creator. That would lead to over 100 million people who would begin to pray from the heart on a regular basis.
This alone, not politicians, would start to fix many of our nation's problems. I believe the following "rates" would all go down:
- Depression
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Suicide
- Violence
- Crime
- Bullying
- Child abuse
- Divorce
- Rape
- Illiteracy
- Poverty
In addition, as Americans are transformed by the Word, there would be better candidates for political office and Americans would elect better leaders at every level of government.
As the leaders and the people absorb the Word and develop a deeper understanding of God's ways. The truth will reveal itself and our country would find the ways to cooperatively solve the problems we have.
So there you have my dream--both a hopeful desire and a fantastic fantasy.
