Monday, June 30, 2008

The Cross And The Flag

This week, we celebrate the 232nd anniversary of the founding of our country. America has been a grand experiment in democracy and freedom. Our nation has had its share of bumps along the way, and has many issues today. Nonetheless, it is the greatest country in the history of the planet.

This past Sunday, we had our annual Fourth of July celebration in the worship service at our church. We attend a multi-location megachurch in the Houston area. Our church is known for its conservative stance on issues, but does not have a reputation for legalism. Our senior pastor is well-known and well-respected in the city and in our denomination. I line up with him theologically and politically. He encourages the church to celebrate Independence Day in order to give people a chance to thank God for the freedoms provided in America, such as freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression. These are things we should not take lightly.

As I sat through the service, I could not help but think of how culturally American it was. It was a celebration of all things American, with plenty of patriotic music and a recognition and celebration of the military. It was very well done, as it is every year. However, I couldn’t help but think of a couple of things: 1) What if this were China? In China, in the state-sanctioned church, they would be celebrating all things Communist, along with the state-approved view of God. In the fast-growing, vibrant underground church, patriotism is the last thing on their mind, as they experience persecution from the state. The same can be said for Cuba and any other totalitarian state. 2) What tone would this service have if the current Democratic candidate is elected president in November?

America is a great nation. We have a lot to be proud of and thankful for. However, for the Christian, we must remember that the cross and the flag are two different and separate things. People died and are dying under the flag for our freedom. Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we may have eternal life. While those facts are ultimately related, wrapping the cross up in the flag is dangerous. It makes us put our country on an exalted plane deserved only by the King of Kings. At the same time, we need to take time to remember that God has raised America up to be a special nation, one where freedom has been given to worship God and to spread the Gospel here and throughout the earth. Nations, however, are fleeting, and God can choose to allow America as we know it to disappear.

As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, let us recognize the Source of that freedom. May we separate our faith in Christ from our pride in our country, and may God use that to make our country as He wants it to be. May we view the world as Christians first, and Americans second.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Late Night Thoughts and Concerns

I’m having a hard time sleeping, which is rare for me these days. I have some rare thoughts which are worthy of note.

Today is Memorial Day. It is a day in which we remember the sacrifices made by those that have given their lives to protect our freedom throughout our nation’s history. I cannot describe how much I appreciate the sacrifices made by those in previous generations as well as those currently serving. The blood shed on the battlefields provide the freedom by which I can type, and by which others can disagree with me.

We in America face many challenges in the days ahead. We face a continuing threat of Islamofascist terrorism. We face economic challenges at home, a situation where prosperity (a low unemployment rate of 4-5%) is outweighed by the steep rise in oil prices, resulting in record prices for gasoline and an increase in food prices. It is an insecure time, one in which I am afraid we are entering with blindfolds on.

Insecure times make people look for someone or something to help them. Just as the children of Israel, in Old Testament times, looked for an earthly king to rescue them, many today are looking for increased government intervention and a charismatic personality to help themselves.

I am concerned for my country. I fear that we are about to react to our current challenges by electing a group of politicians that look to punish achievement and give to those that look to government to provide unearned handouts. This same group of politicians would leave us more vulnerable to terrorist attacks by pulling our troops out of the Middle East just as we are winning the war on terrorism and returning some sort of semblance of order to Iraq. This same group of politicians would react to $4.00/gallon gasoline by further restricting the domestic drilling and exploration of oil, placing us into further dependence on foreign oil.

At the same time, the potential exists for there to be no credible opposition to this crew. The party that currently holds the White House is discombobulating right before our eyes. This party has no vision and cannot successfully define itself, much less communicate its policies over the heads of an unsympathetic mainstream media to the American people.

I am thankful for the opportunities God has given me as an American to fail and to achieve success. I am also thankful for the freedom I have to worship God in a way not dictated by the government, and for the freedom Americans have to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ here and throughout the world. I take comfort in the gospel, knowing that this is an earthly home, but not a permanent home.

In the meantime, though, we live in a twisted, pagan world. A world full of problems and challenges. What is needed is freedom. Not uncontrolled license or sexual freedom, but the freedom for Americans to come up with solutions to the challenges that face us without unnecessary regulation by an incompetent government. The freedom to achieve greatness and to enjoy the fruits of the world’s most powerful economy. The freedom to use the God-given resources of our land while still preserving its beauty and use for future generations. Freedom is what makes our country great. It is what patriots have given their lives for throughout the history of our nation, including today. May their sacrifices not be in vain, but may America become an even better place.

May God not only bless America, but may He save America, as well.