In honor of the independence holidays in both Canada and the USA . . .
Patriotism and God
When I hear our National
Anthem, it still brings tears to my eyes. It wasn't 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. 9-11 could have been just the thing to
bring patriotism to 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't buy or fabricate.
God isn't 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 a representative statement 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'd 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's 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 aren't 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't continue to bless America when we don't follow His
leading. We don't even have the scriptural right to claim
the name 'Christian' except we're first His disciple (Acts
11:26). He doesn't 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're waving, make sure God is given first
place. You have been given the power to change your world.
It's up to you what you do with it.
Joyce C. Lock
© 2002
Appearing Thursday, July 3, 2003