We just celebrated Independence Day. We celebrated the freedom from Great Britain that was secured by soldiers and attested to by 56 individuals who were willing to sign their names to the Declaration of Independence.
And while your opinion may differ from mine, in my opinion, even with all her faults, America is still the greatest place on Earth to live.
What is it that makes American great? We live in a beautiful country and America has an abundance of things.
But the greatness of America is in our freedom and in the men and women who fought so that we could have it. Those men who signed the Declaration of Independence had far more to lose than they ever stood to gain. And through the years many more have taken the same position that America was worth risking it all.
But, and you knew there was a, “But” coming, didn’t you? But, there’s a problem in America.
And I’m going to tell you exactly what that problem is. Actually, that problem isn’t a “what,” but a “who.” The problem is me. The problem is me and millions of others who have become complacent and indifferent in our responsibilities in this nation.
Perhaps Edmund Burke said it best when he said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
If you’ve ever read the Scriptures, it’s clear God would rather forgive and restore, than judge. But there’s a condition. The condition is the word “If.” Here’s what it looks like from 2 Chronicles 7:
If my people, who are called by my name, will 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 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)
The condition is the “If.” “If” my people will pray. Because you see, the solution is not in the white house, state house, court house, but in God’s house, and your house and my house.
How does that happen? Here are four things every American needs to step up to do — and I’m giving you the most painful one first:
We must pay for government.
I know the arguments. “Our government wastes money!” “They’re fiscally irresponsible, and often even foolish.” And on and on the arguments go. But even Jesus instructed his disciples to pay their taxes. He didn’t say we had to like the governing authorities, but he did tell us that we must submit ourselves to them. I’m not crazy about it, either, but it’s the right thing to do.
Second: I must pray for government.
I’ll confess that I find myself complaining about government more often than praying for government and I’m pretty certain that I’m not alone in that. But God instructed us to pray for those who are in authority. They need our prayers, and God says it blesses Him and it blesses us. Win, win!
Third: I must participate in government.
That can start as simply as by casting a ballot on election day. But participating in government doesn’t have to stop at the voting booth. I get the fact that it’s not for everyone, maybe you should consider running for office in an effort to bring Godly leadership, Godly character and Godly integrity back into governmental offices.
And one final responsibility: I must persuade our government
The United States is a republic. That means, for the most part, everyone has a voice. So let your voice be heard. A lot has been happening in our government and in our country. Thank God we live in a free republic, and let us do our part in maintaining that freedom for future generations.