On Monday we celebrate the 235th birthday of our nation. When invited to parties, it is customary to bring a gift for the one celebrating the birthday...but what does one give his or her country? How should we appropriately recognize such a milestone? Sunday morning in worship we will talk about a July 4th prescription that could easily be our gift to this nation. The text I will use for Sunday morning calls us to humility and prayer, not as a means of civil practice, but personal commitment where service and sacrifice are evident in the way we live and work. These characteristics mark the follower of Jesus Christ first, but also impact every area of our lives, including the way we approach our citizenship.
After the dedication of the temple in II Chronicles 7, God speaks to King Solomon; "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray..." What do you think might result if you and I humbled ourselves before God, praying fervently for many aspects of our lives, including our nation. God tells Solomon that humility, prayer, and repentance will bring forgiveness and healing to their land. Brothers and sisters, what might happen in this nation if you and I chose such a path?
I do not believe that our goal is to make this nation into a Christian institution...but rather, to make a difference for the cause of Christ in ways that will bring transformation to our homes, our communities, our nation, and world. It begins right where you live and work and go to school...humble yourself before God, seek the face of God through prayer, repent of your sin...then ask God how you can be used to bring light and hope to those around you. That would be a present this nation could use.
Jim
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