patriotism and Christianity
Start writing a post
Featured

Is God The God Of America Only?

Can we really only say, God bless the USA, but not any other countries?

8219
Is God The God Of America Only?
Pinterest

On the Fourth of July, America's patriotism soars. We love to sing "God Bless America" and refer to our country as the "greatest country in the world." We may not say it out loud, but if you ask Americans if they think God has some sort of "special" relationship with our country, you'd be surprised how many would say yes. People just kind of equate America with Christianity, right?

But where does this come from? Where did we get the idea that #blessed meant we were Christians? I wanted to look more into this idea, and I came across the book of Job. Job was called "blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (Job 1:8) Satan asks permission to try to get Job to curse God. But God was so confident in Job's love for Him, that He let Satan take away his wealth, his family, his health-- his everything, but his life. Job's friends, who were watching all of this unfold, confused Job's trials with suffering. They wanted to have compassion on him, but rather, they chose to make accusations about his character. They inferred that Job must have sinned in some way they didn't know about and that God was punishing him. They equated a lack of physical blessings with a lack of right-standing with God.

But in chapter 21, Job gives us some insight on why those who love God seem to struggle and those who don't love God seem to prosper. Reading this hit home for me. Verse 7-9 says, "Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? Their offspring are established in their presence, and their descendants before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, and no rod of God is upon them." Those whom Job was referring to were living longer, becoming more powerful, and making their lives as comfortable as possible just like we are now. And they were far from God. But we, as a country, wouldn't say that. Some of us even refer to the U.S. as "God's country."

But why do we think God loves America more? On what ground can we base our perspective? Well, when you look into the New Testament, our relationship with God does a complete 180. Instead of abiding by laws to appease God, we meet Jesus, who came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died so that we don't have to. Right? I think just about everyone would be okay with a God who just did everything for us and we could just go back to living how we wanted to. But that God doesn't exist. Scripture paints a beautiful picture of God, who loves us TOO MUCH to let us just do what we want, to keep on sinning. He loves us SO MUCH that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die so that we might have a relationship with Him.

Anyone in a relationship can testify that it takes work. In order to truly get to know a person, you must spend time with them. And I mean REALLY spend time with them. This doesn't mean sending them a text every couple of days, or meeting up with them once a week. But why do we treat a relationship with God this way?

How do we have a real relationship with God? How do we "get right" with Him? In Romans 3, Paul tells us, "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (vs. 21-24) This is such good news! Paul is saying that neither race, nor gender, nor social class can keep you from having a relationship with God. That we can do so because of Christ, but we must do so through faith. Think about it like this: Christ opened the door, we just have to walk through the threshold. We have to believe in what is on the other side. No one can make you walk through the doorway. No one can push you or pull you away from the threshold. It is your decision.

Later on in verse 29, Paul proposes these questions, "Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also." Let's think about what that means for us today. Is God the God of America only? Or is He not the God of Syria? And North Korea? And every other nation under the Sun? Yes, of the entire world also.

Report this Content
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70785
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132404
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments