Boy, I bet that title rattled some reader’s rompers! Of course, Jesus is not an American since our nation didn’t exist when he did. However, he is still available for all Americans today.
Our country was founded upon a belief in God. The moral fiber that runs through our Constitution’s terms exemplifies faith. Even though it does not refer to any specific religion, God’s words influenced our nation’s founders and ultimately determined its character.
God’s love transcends borders and nationalities. His Kingdom is universal, and His love extends to all, regardless of political party or race. We are all part of His divine plan.
We would adore God to be in our corner, but more importantly, we must be in His corner. Politicians and political groups have used religion to obtain power and influence since the beginning of time. Wars have been fought, people killed, and horrors wrought in the name of God. Why? Simply put, it is because humans always think God is on their side, whether the side is upside down or backward, wrong or right.
As a nation, we should put our people’s needs first, but it shouldn’t be to the detriment of those who require our aid. How do we turn our backs on the poorest on our planet when God clearly states, “Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.” Proverbs 14: 31
How can we ignore the needs of the hungry and the sick in less fortunate, remote parts of the world and still expect God to bless us? We should apply our faith in all aspects of our lives, including government. Is it more popular and politically correct today to disregard God’s mandates?
Most of us understand the need to reduce our nation’s waste, cut costs, and be more efficient. We also need to eliminate government corruption, but do we throw away grain, vaccines, medicines, and good folks with dirty water in our haste? So, what is the price of tossing benevolence?
The Bible tells us that money can be the root of all evil. “For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin. Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it, and as a result, have pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy: 6:10
It’s not just the thief who steals that is a criminal; when we value wealth more than God’s word, we rob ourselves of true worth.
A man is walking down the street to his office in Anywhere, USA. He is dressed in an Armani suit, carries a leather briefcase, and checks his Rolex for the time. As he walks, he notices another man slumped in front of a building. The man is wrapped in an old blanket, and his long beard touches his chest as he lowers his head.
When the suited man sees the disheveled individual, he looks down at him with evident disdain. His reaction is not uncommon; it reflects a societal attitude that often devalues the less fortunate.
Without stopping, he shakes his head in disgust. In one brief second, he determines the man wasn’t worth the time of day, a word, or a dime. He had judged the homeless man’s life in less than a minute.
Which of these men was the sinner in the eyes of the world’s ruler? Which one will God look upon with disdain?
Who was the one who healed the leper that others wouldn’t touch? Who was the one who noticed the sick, the lame, the blind? Jesus exemplified the greatest humanitarian.
Our nation’s philanthropic efforts have brought about remarkable changes. Smallpox has been eradicated, polio has been defeated in all but two countries, and malaria cases have been halved. Maternal, infant, and child mortality rates have also seen significant reductions. These are not just statistics, but lives saved and futures secured. Our actions can and do make a difference.
Reflecting America’s core value of caring for others, we have helped millions who are victims of war, famine, violence, and natural disasters. And we do all these things on less than 1% of our federal budget. We must continue to care.
How do we live in our Armani suits and fancy houses and drive our BMWs knowing that we will die with nothing if we do not value giving to those who require aid to exist?
To truly live abundantly, we must align ourselves with God’s values. This means caring for those in need, advocating for justice, and practicing compassion. In doing so, we not only honor God but also enrich our own lives.
No, the Lord is not an American, but he continually asks us to bring our hearts into His corner of the world.
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Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Tennessee-raised, Georgia-residing author and columnist. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.
