COMMENTARY: Billy Graham's Call for Repentance Is Something Americans Need to Promote

On July 24, 2012, Evangelist Billy Graham wrote in a prayer letter on his website: "My heart aches for America and its deceived people. The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance."

Graham, 93, asserts in his prayer letter that America has been undergoing a terrible downward spiral of moral standards in recent years. He refers to the idolatry of worshiping false gods -- such as technology and sex -- and the indifference most Americans have toward abortion, which has resulted in the murder of millions of American babies in recent years.

He also says that self-centered indulgence, arrogance, and a lack of shame over sin are now emblems of the American lifestyle.

Graham notes that Christian chaplains in many U.S. police departments are no longer allowed to mention the Name of Jesus in prayer. He says this is due to our society striving to avoid any possibility of offending anyone -- except God.

Graham emphasizes that the further we ge from God, the more the world spirals out of control.

On the other hand, Graham is optimistic, in that he believes that Americans will repent to God and change their lifestyles in the near future.

We agree with Graham that America has become a secular, self-indulgent society whose focus is on material possessions and wealth.

"How can I accumulate as many things and as much money as possible?" seems to be the most popular question Americans are asking themselves today. Moreover, Americans are devoting less time and interest than ever to religion.

The fact is that the number of Americans who have faith in religion is at an all-time low. A Gallup poll conducted this month shows that only 44 percent of Americans -- that's less than half -- now have confidence in organized religion.

While we agree with Graham that American moral standards have deteriorated significantly in recent years, we do not currently see any signs of repentance to God and a morally-improving America.

Unfortunately, Americans for the most part, have become greedy, self-centered, power-loving individuals who have neglected God -- and that is a very sad and immoral lifestyle for American society.

Indeed, it is now imperative that Americans repent to God for their immoral lifestyle, and turn over a new leaf -- one that promotes love of God, love of fellow human beings, and a lifestyle that God would enjoy seeing.