On a recent trip overseas, I was tempted to tell people that I’m Canadian. I figured I’d have way less explaining to do about the state of affairs in the USA, and I might even be treated better.
I sat next to a Brit on a long flight from Amsterdam to Rwanda, and he asked me, “What is going on in your country? What’s wrong with America?”
Frankly, I didn’t know what to say.
What is going on?
We have politicians who appear to have no moral compass.
Our leaders lie or twist the truth to suit their own needs.
We have narcissistic, arrogant, and self-serving candidates.
The media fail to be even remotely unbiased.
And too many Christians display an attitude of anger and fear rather than love and the fruit of the Spirit.
Everyone has a personal agenda, and it seems that few care these days about truth, character, or right and wrong.
Then again, this isn’t the first embarrassing season in American politics. Anyone remember the rumors about JFK? How about a guy named Nixon? Uh . . . how about Clinton’s antics in the Oval Office with an intern?
Here’s a fact: No government on this planet is perfect. And by the way, no leader or politician is perfect either (including this pastor).
Not for a second am I encouraging apathy or turning a blind eye to sin.
Of course, we can and must do better.
But . . .
This American has lived long enough and studied enough history to know that “We the People” have fed, cared for, protected, and rescued hundreds of millions from utter disaster. Without us, most of Europe probably would be living under a flag with a swastika on it.
Yes, I know. We’ve miserably failed on the issues of woman’s rights and slavery. We frequently have blown it in our treatment of Native Americans. We botched our policy with Rwanda during its horrible genocide. And we have tragically failed to protect the unborn in our country.
Unquestionably, I could go on and on.
But . . .
No nation on the planet has done more for the poor.
No nation in history has built more hospitals or more schools.
No nation has ever given more money to raise the quality of life of the disenfranchised.
No nation has sent more missionaries throughout the world to proclaim the Good News.
God has blessed us (every good gift comes from Him), and we are a blessing to many. Democrat, Republican, Independent, and all, together we have changed the course of history. Maybe it’s time to focus on the good and to be thankful instead of fearful.
So despite the current nature of politics in the US, I will vote.
I will do my best to honor who I am in Christ and to live as Jesus lived—in humility and gentleness while going the second mile if need be.
And even if I wake up disappointed on November 9th, I will trust in God.
I will believe in Him and His power to use a broken nation and broken people (like us) to do good.
I will honor my leaders (as instructed to do so in the Word).
And most of all, I will pray for a great outpouring and revival to come so that once again this great nation can be a great blessing to many.
This blog is not a call to compromise. It is a reminder that we love and serve a God who is far bigger than any human entity or enterprise. It is a call to prayer.
It is also a call to hope. Hope, not in a leader or a government, but in the only One who is always good.
So no matter what, I will believe and not despair.
Perhaps, when people lose confidence in a system, they will finally find faith in the Faithful One.
Prayer Request:
I need a Miracle. HELP!!! Please pray for me. I need your healing prayers. I am 68 years old. I suffer from heart problems and diabetes. Diabetes has caused kidney problems and liver problems ( I do not drink or smoke). I will be most happy for your help in prayer. I also suffer from depression and anxiety.This has caused a great deal of problems. Pray for peace: peace of mind, peace of heart, and peace of soul!
Please ask everyone to pray for me.
Help-I am in great pain!!!
In the last todays, I have fallen and hurt myself.It takes me over a 1/2 hour to get up.
As a results of these falls, I have had greater pain.I live alone.Pray God to send angels to protect me!!!!
Praying! May Jesus heal and sustain you, Alfred.
Absolutely love this Pastor Kurt. Thank you and agape!!!
Thank you, Tandy! You are loved…
I love it!
Thanks, James, I thought you might enjoy this one. Love ya man.
Thanks Kurt. I needed this and I’m sure others do as well.
Glad it encouraged you, Gary.
You are a constant inspiration to me. Thank you for your wonderful posts, and keep them coming!
Appreciate you and your encouragement Kelli!
Thanks, Kurt, for the insights in this article and the reminder of our American heritage. May God guide and bless us, and may we always be one nation under God.
Thank you for you kinds words, Mary. Still praying hard for our country…
I just deleted everything i could find (about politics) on my FB page and this came up. Thank you. Such s POSITIVE reminder of how blessed we are how blessed I am. God help us all. May our hearts be turned to Him.
My pray as well…hearts turned to Him. Love you!