I Love My Country!

Let me begin by saying that I understand as well as anyone that our nation has problems. You'd have to be a banana not to be aware of that. I also understand that America is at a very crucial crossroads currently. No, the U.S. is not perfect. And it would be extremely easy to point out our flaws, and key on them, any day of the week. But I love the United States of America.

I've traveled to many nations in my lifetime, and one undeniable truth has manifested as a result of every single trip: America is blessed. I love going. I love traveling. I'm enamored with foreign culture. But above all, I love coming back to the blessedness of the United States.

Traveling extensively in ministry, as well as living on the continent of Europe for three years, has allowed me to see the blessings of God on this nation. If you have never experienced how 3/4 of the rest of the world lives, you probably won't see this. Visiting third world nations many times for the sake of the gospel has affirmed what I had already chosen to believe: that God has had His hand on our nation since its inception.

I have friends all over the globe that dream of coming to the United States. As a matter of fact, as the land of opportunity, the U.S. has attracted people from all over the world...because of the possibilities available.

I like to look for the good in people. But quite truthfully, if I know you well enough I will notice some of your flaws. I mean, I might have to try very hard to notice yours, but I could. Then I could focus on only your flaws. I could get on social media and talk to others about your flaws. I could amplify your flaws to the point that I influence friends to believe you are a totally dysfunctional person. And you could do the very same thing to me! How would that happen? By my focusing exclusively on your flaws, weaknesses, and struggles.

That's what has been happening in America. Does the U.S. have any good characteristics? Of course she does. She is still the greatest nation on the earth. This is not because of what we have done. It's not because of who we are. We're no better in God's eyes than any other nation on the planet. But it is because of "how" we are. Yes...how we are. We are what we are because of how our nation was founded. We were founded by folks who sought God's direction on establishing our land. And you know what? God provided the direction! That's for another post, and another time. But as a result of how America was founded, God has been able to bless, and it is obvious.

I think we ought to STOP bashing our homeland. It's the only one we have. And think about this...America is you. America is me. When you bash your nation, you are bashing yourself! Let me encourage you to look for the good in our nation, and be grateful for what we have.

Pray for America, as some folks want her to fail. If she fails, you will fail. Your families will fail. Ministries will fail. Businesses will fail. If America falls to the forces of evil working from within her borders, the world will fall. When America goes down the stage will be completed for the coming antichrist. You have a part in it! Which part will you play? Will you play the part of the complacent, having the passive attitude that says, "Well, it's all going to happen anyway. What good could I do?" Or will you begin to stand up for our nation (if you're not already doing so), and live for the One who established her from the beginning. No, I'm not a nationalist. I am a follower of Christ. One who is extremely grateful and indebted to  our God who has blessed our nation immensely through the ages!

The true and effective stand for America begins with fervent prayer for her: consistent, fervent prayer. It continues with living by the holy principles of God's  Word. This of course, will require that you live counter-culturally in this world. Counter-culturally means you won't go with the flow of the forces of this world. It means you will become obvious as one who has not bowed the knee to the Nebuchadnezzars of this world. You may even be hated as a follower of Jesus! But America will not stand unless the people of God become serious and take their stand as those NOT from this world! So what will you do my Christian friend? The time has come (and nearly passed us by) for God's folks to stand for our nation!