Happy Birthday!!

We like to celebrate certain milestones like turning forty or fifty. America is fixing to hit a milestone. Two hundred and fifty years old. With that big milestone approaching quickly and all the turmoil and divisiveness in our country, how should we as Christians respond? It seems like most fall into two categories: 1. America is the greatest and 2. America is the worst. If your blood pressure went up reading either side, you might just be in one of those categories.

Let’s talk about the idea that America is the worst. Has there been sin and is there sin in our country? Yes. I believe the words of Proverbs 14:34 which says that righteousness exalts and sin is a disgrace. But what country can you go to or for that matter has ever existed that you cannot say the same thing about? Is that excusing America? I hope not. I cannot control everything America does, but I can control myself. Jesus is calling us to live in this world unspotted (James 1:27), but also to live in such a way as to help turn America back to God (Matthew 5:13-16). We are called to honor all our leaders (Romans 13) and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

The other side of this problem shows up in those who cannot see anything wrong in our country and their allegiance is more to the country than to God. The reality is, even though I am to be one of the best citizens this country has, my true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). When my country goes against God, I must side with God (Acts 5:29). People should know more about what God has done for us than what our country has done for us. We do not worship country, we worship the true and living God. I have seen some religious people struggling to separate church and country.

Wear your red, white, and blue or don’t. Just remember this world is not our home, we are just passing through, but as I pass through, I am to honor God