While stationed overseas in the 1980’s, I met a German woman who had been married to a U.S. soldier. When they divorced, she was allowed to rent an apartment in our off-base building, where all other tenants were U.S. military families. We became friends and spent many an afternoon together while our young kids played.
“How come the United States claims to be one nation under God?” She questioned one day during our conversation. “You are not the only nation under God.”
Trying to explain to her our many states forming one nation, and the combined nation claiming to be under God, proved difficult. I soon realized why I was having a hard time getting her to understand. She was so set on “one” meaning “only,” she was unable to grasp the concept.
Although she had briefly lived in the United States and was surrounded by U.S. citizens, her perception of the U.S. was more than slightly skewed. For instance, when I told her I lived near Dodge City, Kansas, she immediately had an old west image come to mind and wanted to hear all about my life in such a rugged part of the country.
This and other misconceptions came from popular U.S. television programs. Unfortunately, much of the programming available overseas proved to be damaging to the reputation of the Christians living in the United States. The U.S. claimed to be one nation under God; the God of the Bible, Father of Jesus; and it was widely known that followers of Jesus are called Christians. Therefore it was sometimes inaccurately concluded, all Americans are Christian. Our TV shows often portrayed Americans as wealthy, spoiled, backstabbing, unfaithful liars that would do anything for riches and fame. Every new episode showed another surprise twist of deceit and a “who’s sleeping with who” scenario. Much of the world was then led to believe all Christians in America live this kind of life. We didn’t help. Day after day, Americans and yes, even proclaimed Christians lived up to that reputation.
Fast forward to today:
Hollywood continues to spew lies, now joined by the internet and social media. Meanwhile, Americans continue to live unholy lives, and we are left to wonder why many countries in the world have such a bad taste for American Christians. Worse yet, all these lies are infiltrating our children’s minds. Family is no longer the number one influencer of our children, and church is not even in the ranking for most kids. In today’s world, it’s not only those in other countries that have a misinterpretation of America’s God. A record number of our own citizens have turned their back on God our Father and His Son, Jesus, taking their children with them.
That begs the question, are we really still one nation under God? I don’t think so. Are we one nation under God’s wrath? The good news is, not quite yet. The bad news? Just like we were never the “only” nation under God, we are also not the only nation being infected with the lies of Satan and all his principalities. There is a spiritual war raging around us.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” Ephesians 6:12.
Not a very joyful topic for Independence Day, I realize. It is however, a prudent one.
I consider myself a patriot. And while I am certainly thankful for the men and women who have fought to provide us with our freedoms we so often take for granted; I also know that true freedom only comes from a relationship with God, our Father through His son, Jesus Christ.
What are God’s people to do?
Go to war! How?
Pray, pray, pray:
Those who have an active prayer-life understand, there is much power in prayer.
“… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
We are on gifted time, and God’s people need to get down on their knees. Jesus gave His life so we can go before God without shame. We need to give Our King back His throne. He is the only one who has earned it; He is the only one who could.
Understand the times:
I have heard it said, “things aren’t falling apart, they are falling into place!” While we are not under God’s wrath at this moment, the world is moving in that direction. Although we have been warned, many have chosen not to listen. The body of Christ is running out of time to fulfill its great commission. The spiritual war that has been going on since the fall is revving up around us. Praise Jesus, we have been equipped with everything we need for battle through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“… be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” Ephesians 6:10-11.
Read. God’s. Word:
The Bible is where we find all we need for gaining wisdom and understanding. It should be our prayer language. All other pieces of our armor are defensive. God’s word is our only offensive weapon.
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Ephesians 6:17.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” Hebrews 4:12.
God’s word is, and always has been Satan’s number one place of attack; and he is attacking God’s word more fiercely today, than ever before. That right there should tell us something!
Listen and obey:
God is still with us, He will never leave us.
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:18-20.
We have been given one task. One task we have been commissioned to do; and one we have been commanded to do with love.
How does praying, reading, listening and obeying equate to fighting a war?
God’s people do not fight wars like earthly armies for freedoms, land and resources. Remember, this is spiritual warfare and our freedom is already won. We fight, because many of our loved ones are being deceived. They are prisoners of this war, and God loves them too much to leave them imprisoned. God’s truth is that we are not even the ones who do the fighting. We simply need to kneel before Him, claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior, live holy lives by the power of His Spirit, share His word, and love others. These are our battles.
Are they easy? No. War is never easy. Then again, God never told us it would be; but He did give us all the hope we need in Christ!
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33b.
Please help God’s people everywhere by joining the fight. Get down on your knees and pick up your Bible! Fight for God’s glory! Fight so that others may know the eternal freedom only Jesus offers!
Spot on!! The Holy Spirit reminded me recently that my desires for loved ones to claim Jesus as their Lord and Savoir, was not to be put solely on them. Now I pray, command, that satan be bound in regard to them. That is a very different prayer and fight. To God be the glory! Thanks for another good one, Deb.