In light of recent events, I’m compelled to write about the theme of God and Country. I’m very patriotic. I swell with pride at the 4th of July celebrations and fireworks displays. I love visiting national landmarks and memorials. I stand and cover my heart and heartily sing the National Anthem. I am blessed to have a say in voting. I love my country.
But, I am Christian first.
I am a woman of faith that seeks God first in the value I place in people and systems. I seek God’s heart in matters of injustice and in my core values of life, liberty and happiness.
I love my God. I am Christian first.
My core values and the faith I pledge infuses all my life habits and decisions. I participate in the democratic privilege of voting, but not without prayerful consideration. I measure my decisions based upon Scripture and what truths I hold. I create my opinions about candidates on biblical values and their personal actions and attitudes. I appreciate and am grateful for the rights and abilities our country affords us. Even when things don’t go the way I think they should.
I am Christian first. And because of that I must ask before I respond to any issue, “What would Jesus do in this situation. How would He respond.” Admittedly, I don’t always want to do what is in line with the answers to those questions. Admittedly, I have to do some self-talk and let God talk to me about my attitude and so sometimes, I make a trip to the woodshed with God until I’m aligned with his heart.
Being a Christian first means I stay in process. There is no black and white about me because the world is constantly changing and I have to realign with God in order to walk with God in this life.
God tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14: 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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Let us not argue. Let us not hide. Let us not blame or fear. Instead, let us be a people of prayer; the kind of prayer that aligns our hearts with the heart of God. Then and only then will our attitudes and actions be used to heal and soothe sore places. We are called to be light. May it be so.
“One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
