People say America was formed on Christian principles. It was created by a bunch of Bible believers, creating a place where we can finally worship freely without some annoying king breathing down our backs and oppressing us. There are some nuggets of truth in that.
But the problem is, the church has begun confusing American ideals with Christian ideals. For instance, in America, we stand up for ourselves. If we’re being oppressed, we rally the troops. We talk to the newspapers. We fight until our oppression ends.
However, that’s not what Jesus taught us. In fact, Jesus taught us to love our persecutors. He taught us to go the extra mile, even when we’re being unfairly treated. We were taught to forgive and submit to the authorities oppressing us. You have to remember, it was the Roman army in power during Jesus’ day. They oppressed the Jews, then after Jesus began murdering Christians.
The early Church was never a political party. They never held high office or passed legislation. They spread the gospel under threat of torture and death, seeming to ignore the ungodly and immoral government of their day.
American Christianity looks nothing like this. We attempt to legislate morality. We complain when we’re oppressed by a government that doesn’t allow our religious monuments to stay on public property. We rise up when we feel our rights have been violated.
Please hear me. I’m not saying we shouldn’t use this democratic-republic system to create a land that’s wonderful to live in. That would be irresponsible stewardship of what God has given us.
However, the world’s problems will never be solved by American ideals. The hope of the world is not found in America’s kingdom. It’s found in Heaven’s kingdom. The perfect laws will never change hearts and make this world a wonderful place to live in. Only Heaven holds the answer. Let’s make sure we line up with Heaven’s ideals first and foremost.
Great thoughts, Jonathan! I like the ending that said, “the world’s problems will never be solved by American ideals…Let’s make sure we line up with Heaven’s ideals first and foremost.” Have a great day!
That’s a crackerjack answer to an interesting question