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