Beyond Politics
When you look beyond the politics of today, you can see a magnificent nation that is seldom appreciated. Today ( July 4th) is the celebration of that nations formation in 1776. We celebrate but, sometimes, do not appreciate the grandeur of the thought that went into the building of our republic. No nation on earth has had the opportunity to participate in such an experiment in democracy.
I recently had an opportunity to sit down with a good friend (David Chan) who is now living in Shanghai, China. We spoke about a lot of things, but the primary discussion was about United States. He has lived here, Indonesia, and now is back in China. David is a proud Believer in Christ and shared his thoughts about how anyone living outside the US knows how God has played a major role in the formation of this country. They see God at the center of the republic, ironically, because most Americans now ignore the major guiding source of power of this nation.
A Church Underground
David is currently a member of an underground church in China because open worship there may be considered a crime. If a church gets too large it may have an influence on the society. Most churches attempt to stay below the radar of the government. The house churches spend more of their time just studying the bible and seldom hear a speaker because they want to know the Word of God. The believers want God to be the center of their universe. They seek freedom in their Faith to provide personal security even in the midst of an unbelieving nation.
God Must be the Core!
It is a good lesson for Americans. We need to put God in the center of our lives as well. We can love one another more, live more like Christ to fully appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. I love the fact that my friend knows and appreciates the world we live in and the democracy of the United States of America. God is at the core of virtue. John Adams said, "It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue." When we as Americans realize that God and not politicians are at the center of our nation’s success, we will become strong again.
Celebrate the Nations Birthday everyday for what it means to the world! Do not let God slip away from our foundation if we are to remain free.
LET FREEDOM RING!!