A Nation at a Crossroads

The sound of patriotic music booming from horns as the marching bands line the streets…

The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers sizzling on a grill…

Baseball games, family/friend gatherings, and patriotic concerts in which to participate…

Fireworks…the beauty of chemistry on display for wide-eyed children and adults alike…

Americans, from all walks of life, coming together for a common celebration…

Gathering together in celebration of our nation’s independence is something many of us look forward to each year on July 4th.

This year, as we go into this patriotic celebration, it has been a bit difficult to keep focus on the bountiful blessings our great nation has acquired in the midst of such division. No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, there is no denying the great strife and hostility prevalent in the media and in the general public.

After watching the Presidential Debate last week, my heart was so heavy and saddened. We have come to a point in our country where debates have become less about the expression and defense of a candidate’s particular viewpoints, goals, and policies, and more about the degrading of their opponent.

In my relatively short life time, I recall debates of yesteryears in which men of discretionary speech, strong conviction of personal beliefs, and mutual respect took to the stage to communicate to the American people why they were the best choice for the next President of the United States.

Why have we as the American people allowed this to happen? How has this happened?

If I asked those questions to ten people, I would receive ten very different and impassioned answers based upon their political affiliation. Fingers would be pointed at the diametric party, and the likelihood of a calm, fact based conversation would be unlikely.

This is unsettling, but honestly, it is understandable. The majority of our nation has rejected God, and therefore is relying on the salvation of our country for their stability, hope, and happiness. This is something that has been going on for thousands of years. It seems new because of the level of intensity in hostility and division between the political parties, but as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:9, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.”

So what are we to do with these unsettling feelings and frustrations? How do we process all that is going on in our nation, the election of a new leader, and the outcome of the election?

First, we pray.

In 1 Peter 5:7 it tells us to cast all our anxiety on Christ because He cares for us!

In 1 Timothy 2:2-4 says that we are to pray for all people, including those who are in high positions. It also urges us that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

How often do we pray for our leaders and for those who we see as opposing our political ideals? Do we loudly and pridefully proclaim our views without thought of how we are representing Christ? Are we praying for the salvation of our leaders and others around us, or is our heart more burdened and motivated to pray for a change of mind on an issue instead of a change of heart and surrendering of self to the Lord that changes the trajectory of a life?

Second, we trust in God’s sovereignty. Romans 13:1 says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Although we as citizens have the opportunity to vote, God is the one who institutes the authorities. We don’t need to be afraid of who ultimately wins, because the elected is subordinate to Almighty God. What comfort that brings!

Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
    he turns it wherever he will.”

Even the most apostate men can have their hearts bent in order to accomplish the will of God.

Finally, we rejoice with hopeful anticipation. We know how this story ends, therefore, we can rejoice! As followers of Jesus, we will one day have a perfect, eternal kingdom void all the division, dissension, and discord that comes from living in a fallen world. He will right all wrongs, rule with perfect justice, and represent his people with perfect character. Friend, our hope isn’t in any earthly man or woman. Our hope resides in Jesus Christ alone.

Daniel 4:3 “How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.

1 Timothy 1:17 “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.“