Patriotism and God
by Joyce C. Lock
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 to be 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.
See Also:
Do You Experience God?
We experience God when our deepest intention is to be loving rather than controlling. Inner emptiness is the result of not experiencing God due to controlling behavior.
Battles of the Mind
If God is truly
God and in control of all things, then the battles we face, whatever they be,
are really only in the mind.
Who Lives Your Life?
The objective is to gradually bring the whole of one's life under the domain of the Spirit. Then he lead our life. We do not lead it ourselves. And it is all the better for that!
