Americans are now searching. They are unsure about what they are looking for but they know that something is missing. Astute politicians and talk show hosts and church leaders will attempt to exploit this unrest, but will have difficulty figuring out what angle they should take. Others will simply ignore what is happening in the hopes that it will go away. Whatever it is it will not be reported on by the news media. (Journalism is dead in America and the people know it.)
What is America looking for? What is important to them? That is the important question that they are attempting to answer. Part of the answer to this question is the question itself. What is important? What is basic? What is true? Everyone wants to know this? On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion even Pontius Pilate asked: “What is truth?”
The underlying question for America is not about racism though many are still racists. The question is not about capitalism though greed is a driving factor in America, even in its churches. It is not just determining how much government we should have, though some of our leaders want government alone to be the solution for everything. The question is a more radical one.
One of the meanings of the word “radical” means “going to the root or origin.” What is America founded upon? What has been the purpose of America? What has been the meaning of America? Why has America been blessed?
We may ask these questions on the one hand while on the other declare that: “America is not a Christian nation.” Are we able to continue the American experiment while denying our roots – denying our heritage? We may attempt to do so but will God be with us?
Is God important to America? Is He important in our daily lives, in our values and conduct, in our homes and business, and even in our churches and synagogues. If He is not then America as we once knew it may be no more. We must answer the question first for our own lives. Then do so for our churches and synagogues. And then do so for the nation. It is not too late to do so but the day of reckoning is fast approaching.
After 911 many people flocked back to the church. They were seeking answers then. The nation had been rocked by a great tragedy. Unfortunately, the church in America seemed too much like the world. The crises was a wake-up call but it seemed to pass all too quickly. We went back to spending and ignoring what was happening to us and our country.
Our current political and religious leaders will tell you that they have the answer but do not believe them if they are not talking about a truly radical solution. If God is not in the equation, if His Word is not true, if Jesus is not Lord, if we are dividing up the nation of Israel, if we are seeking a world religion and government, and if we are not on our knees before a sovereign God, then America will be lost. Terrible things are going to happen in the world, but America need not be a part of them.
2 Comments
You are asking poignant, deep and important questions. I believe that U.S. patriotism and Christianity are compatible forces. Your perspective is healthy and well balanced. Of course we know this is not our real Kingdom, but we must maintain it and defend it against tyranny for the sake of our children. Too many Believers today are over-spiritualizing and diminishing our role as pro-active, responsible citizens who have been blessed greatly by our Constitution and form of government.
Thank you for thoughtful comments. You are right about the Kingdom. Jesus said His Kingdom was not of this world. And America is not that Kingdom. But we believe that America is about the Kingdom. The early settlers made a covenant with God to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom. This is an historical fact which the Lord brought to our attention. America’s blessings has been under this covenant. But we have abandoned the covenant. The good news is that God wants to renew this covenant and heal our land. Will we listen and will we repent? We are concerned about our children and grandchildren. But far more is at stake.