When I hear our National Anthem, it still
brings tears to my
eyes.
It was not that long ago that I spoke to an elder in regard
to the lack of patriotism among our youth. His response was
that every generation expresses such concerns. But, something
always happens to change it. September 11th might have been
just the horror to awaken patriotism in the hearts of this generation.
Patriotism is a good thing, to recognize that
each of us is
part
of a bigger community (a people we cherish, honor, and love);
valuing life, freedom of religion, pursuit of happiness … things
that reach the depths of our soul (treasures money, power, and
greed can not buy or fabricate).
God is not against any of these. Though, we
cannot hide our
heads
in the sand; letting people think patriotism, alone, will solve
all that ails us as a nation.
Flying our country's flag is representative of
our values; a
visible
show of patriotism, emotional support for those we love, an
expression of our unity, honoring our dearly departed, etc. But,
doing so brings no power to change our future. If we truly believed
in God's provision for healing our land, we would come near
flying the Christian flag; to encourage all to give God back His
throne, within our hearts and lives (which is all He really wants,
anyway).
While we open our heart and door to
opportunities to make a
difference,
there is only one real solution to fixing the world's problems.
As long as we allow people to think there is another way,
our efforts are like striving against the wind.
God gave His terms for doing what is
otherwise impossible ...
"If my people, which are called by
my name,
shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face,
and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Ch. 7:14
Changing the world begins by, first, changing
ourselves.
Only then
do we have God's promise that He will heal our land, other's
land, and the world. The lost are no to blame. To continue
to ignore that, to not face the truth of the condition of
the world, to not hold ourselves personally accountable for our
part ... times will only get worse.
God can not continue to bless
America when we do not follow His leading.
Scripture does not even grant us the right to claim the
name 'Christian' except we are, first, His disciple (Acts 11:26).
God does not ask us tobe perfect or even good enough.
In fact, His requirements are really very
simple.
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is
good;
and what doth the Lord require of thee,
but to do justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8
Whatever flag you are waving, make sure God is
given first place.
You
have been given the power to change your world. It
is up to you what you do with it.
