A civil war, rooted in the pattern of two colors on our map, rages within The United States. Is the violence plaguing our political system the result of a superpower’s disinterest in embracing purpose? This nation has resisted its calling to be an openly Christian domain, a place where the huddled masses can secure the blessings of liberty.
The rot found in the head weakens the entire body. Consider the number of politicians unwilling to serve the public. Rather, a charismatic personality taps into the culture of amassing likes on social media. Their own agenda promoted without any thought of the constituents who expect to get a seat at the table, at last, via their elected proxy.
This aspirant to a seat of power who campaigns on the platform of advancing the greater good grows deaf to Fatherly advice. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition…[r]ather, in humility value others above yourselves…” (Philippians 2:3 NIV). This death of an unrealized good Samaritan is tragic to witness.
The swell of indifference is compounded by the many fences erected. One party touts itself as the party of God while the other is considered a haven for left-wing radicals. Combatants set up a dynamic where the middle ground is not sought often enough. “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…” (Matthew 12:25 NIV).
Both sides forget. “Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul…” (Proverbs 16:24 NLT). Too many in the flock are fixated on certain “bad” behaviors while turning a blind eye to other kinds of missteps. Their sworn enemies are judged as being hell bound. Alleged pleasure seekers, rightly indignant, paint the devout as bumpkins who hold up fables from an outdated book as fact.
A faction of the congregation, when in power, oversteps boundaries. In Ephesians 5:10, each person is encouraged to determine carefully what pleases the Lord. It is between the individual and Him to work out whom they love, when she will be fruitful and multiply, or preferred pronouns, just as each wo/man weighs the consequences of stepping outside the marriage covenant, stealing what is not theirs, or bending the truth until it breaks.
Morality cannot be legislated by passing a glut of laws. The line between church and state is blurred forcibly if “those types” over there are stripped of their right to choose the manner in which they pursue a relationship with the divine. There is, however, no reason why the state cannot draw inspiration from the church.
True disciples heed the call to listen. Peacemakers agree to disagree on hot-button topics, like when life begins or what defines a family. They seek wise counsel from God through prayer and study in order to model the use of a mindful approach when casting a vote on issues like voting rights, a path to economic stability for all, access to healthcare, and protecting the health of our planet.
Priorities change. Everyone, no matter the variety of attitudes shaping their belief system, will shelter under the banner of Old Glory feeling valued. Socioeconomic disparities based on gender, race, and/or ethnicity built into the fabric of America’s constitution, though later amended, are held up as wrongs not to be repeated. Success is redefined as a go-getter using their talents to help others.
A choir of voices raised in a promise to care about family from another mother. The insult of censorship threatening a firebrand’s ability to dissent on a loaded subject, say the relationship between gun control and school shootings, reminds a populace to stay aware. No one condones the added injury of our children being drained of that spark of youth in an internment camp for illegals immigrants.
Leaders, inspired to move mountains, blaze trails. Already vulnerable groups are not denied the benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Acts of war by the U.S. are vetoed when they hint at a return to colonizer ways versus championing the right of fellow humans to live free of authoritarian rule. Surely, wealthy and powerful pedophiles around the globe are not permitted to hide unpunished in redactions.
The risk does not lie in citizens, some under a heavenly influence, pledging to stand in solidarity with each other to create a more perfect union. The shift toward this ideal challenges a sleeping giant to dust itself off, water the garden of Uncle Sam, and stride back onto the world stage to shine brightly like the sun.
The leader of the free world evolves into a conduit through which godsends flow outward to fill the earth. This is the potential the nations recognize, may even pray is brought to fruition by the U.S. some time soon. But brave deeds will be required of the United States for it to debut such greatness.
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