To Go Forward We Must Go Back

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord….”  Psalm 33: 12

With the Fourth of July in the rearview mirror there is still much to consider. Our nation’s Founders, flawed and imperfect, gave us a virtually perfect document, our Constitution. They believed Divine Providence led them in doing so. Diverse as they were in their belief as to the nature of the God of the nation, they believed He honors His promise: 

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord….” He did it for ancient Israel in those instances of obedience. He has done it for America in those days of obedience to Him.

Today America has so many gods of decadence it is hard to claim He is our God. Yet, there is a large remnant seeking to draw America back to Him.

What institution do you think should be in the forefront of the return effort? Logic says the church. Many are not engaged in such an effort. When a pastor arranges to be away on the Sunday of the Fourth so he won’t have to address the issue, something is remiss. When a pastor has a member of the Department of Immigration speak on the day the issue isn’t addressed. When a pastor won’t allow an American flag in the church, the issue goes begging.

God Himself should be foremost in all worship services. However, caring for the welfare of the nation He gave birth is appropriate. Properly addressing the subject can be done in such a way as to glorify God. Revisit our Pledge of Allegiance: 

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The allegiance is subservient to the devotion given to God. It will never again be “indivisible,” that is, “one nation” until it is once more under God.

Lest some extremist try to carry this too far and say this is an effort to make America a state church under Old Testament Law. Ridiculous.

There were three types in the Old Testament laws.

The civil law under which Israel, and the Israel only of the Old Testament, was to be governed. Not even modern Israel enacts the civil laws of that era.

The ceremonial law related to the form of worship in the Old Testament only. It is no longer applicable for various reasons. Christians believe Jesus fulfilled all those laws which were a foreshadowing of His coming.

Then there were the moral laws which apply to all people of all ages. These laws still apply.

Agents of immorality under the gods of decadence seek to establish a new code of ethics and morality. Not only is there disrespect for God, but even a denial of Him.

While secular institutions call for diversity, our pledge advocates unity, “one nation.” To be one nation while we have such diversity it is expedient for there to be obedience to the teaching of Jesus who said: 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you….” (Matthew 5: 44)

It is not only possible to do this, it is expedient.

Personally there are some people with whose moral conduct I strongly disagree, but I have regard for them as individuals. In doing so I seek to disagree without being disagreeable. 

All faiths have much to gain by calling people back to God and allegiance to America.