God and Country
His Comments
Her Comments
Scripture:
Thoughts:
This month, my wife chose a passage from Psalm 133 and one from 2 Chronicles. With the upcoming holiday, July 4, Independence Day, I think she chose those passages to emphasize the importance of working together, serving God, and healing our nation. It leaves me wondering if she’ll write a “feel good” devotion, or address issues from not having unity. Those two passages leave me thinking about both.
Psalm 133 starts off by addressing how good and important it is for a nation and its people to dwell in unity. It goes on to relate beard oil and dew to God’s provision and presence, describing the blessings of coming together. The unity spoken about is only possible when we put God first. When we do not put God first, we do what is right in our own eyes, and that brings strife and division. Psalm 133 is a reminder that we live in a fallen world, but when we come together, dwell in unity with God and with one another, peace can be found.
Peace, true peace, can only be found in God.
The passage chosen from 2 Chronicles leaves me thinking about two things: God’s grace is sufficient and when we humble ourselves, repent, and believe, He is faithful to forgive and heal us, but it also leaves me thinking, “Is God blessing our nation?” America! The USA is the greatest country in the world (IMO) and I love being a citizen of this country. I love seeing events like the White House UFC Freedom 250 event, I love seeing sports players pray and use Scripture to counter Pride, and I love seeing politicians humble themselves and give thanks to God. While all that can be good to see, it serves as a reminder to remain humble. We need to remember that God works all things according to His will and His glory, including the wicked things we do!
This does not mean God is the author of evil and sin, but it does mean that God is sovereign and He uses all things for His glory and His redemptive plan. When I see our nation and its people do something “good,” it is easy to think God might be blessing our nation. I then remember the wicked things we do and permit, and how important it is to keep our focus on God. We can enjoy the blessings God provides, but we must do so with humility while fighting against sin and letting people know there is forgiveness in Christ Jesus.
It has been amazing these last two weeks since the World Cup has come to America. People from countries all over the world have been making social media posts about how America is amazing and that they do not understand why Americans and the media are always talking bad about our country. One person even said that if we stop talking about the same political issues on social media the world could see the greatness our country has to offer.
This is what I found important to write about today. I am a proud American. I love this land. We have been given a great gift of religious freedom, constitutional rights, voting rights, and food/homes/education that only the best civilizations can boast. The protection and ability to prosper have been afforded to us because we have been founded on Christian principles and God’s guidance and His blessings because of our dedication to keeping Him first.
However, we have fallen away from the principles that the founders intended for the country. This has helped create distrust and hate among our countrymen. Christians have always been persecuted, but lately, it has become evident in our country and other first-world countries. Even the MLB controversy where Christians who have written a verse about Genesis on their hat is a prime example. It doesn’t matter if you agree with their actions or convictions. When other religions get privileges not afforded to Christians, a slippery slope is created. If we are not careful, we could end up in trouble politically like other countries around the world. Even in some other first-world countries, you are not allowed to post on social media about Christian perspectives, pray in public, or have religious signs on your property. These restrictions are not afforded to non-Christian beliefs.
However, according to the Scripture above, God is telling us that it is okay that we do not always agree with each other, but we need to respect each other and work together for the glory of God. This does not mean that we lay down and let people run over us; but rather, we show compassion and respect for all. This of course means that others who are not Christians need to respect us also. It is time for us to not let our country forget and marginalize us. If we want this country to continue to be “a nation under God,” we need to make sure we put God first in a loving, unapologetic, purposeful way. Only if we make it a priority to work with others while prioritizing God, we can keep America as the best country in the world.
To conclude, as a country we need to come together and stop dividing the country. We need to keep God the focus and work together in a loving way. God asks us to put away our petty differences and work together for the good of all.
Thoughts for this week:
- Is there someone I need to forgive or reconcile with?
- How can I contribute to unity in my church, community, and nation?
- Am I seeking God’s glory above my personal preferences and opinions?
God Bless.