America - Our Heart Posture Matters
- Vernita "Neat" Simmons
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
What makes a great country? When you look up the word "country" in various dictionaries, it has different meanings. However, all agree it includes a government, with a defined area of land, and its people. While a country needs land for its citizens to dwell, a governing body to manage its affairs, the main element is its people and their heart posture. Still, in terms of age, America does not rank among the top 10 oldest countries. She is still relatively young.
So, what truly makes a great country? A nation is only as good as the people who live within its borders. And a nation is truly blessed only as it submits, acknowledges, and worships God Almighty. Proverbs 14:34, ESV, warns us that devotion to God makes a nation great, while failing to honor His principles leads to disgrace. As Carmen Licciardello declares, We Need God in America Again. Dear One, who is your Lord?
Having a government that sets up laws and policies is essential, but if that government is corrupt, how would that impact its citizens? A country may have the land to build skyscrapers, communities, and businesses. It could contain significant resources for import and export for trade. Yet, there stands a gap in how the people are treated; that country needs healing.
Even if there are multiple churches for worship, offering the freedom to practice any religion, if the congregation suffers because of legalism and rigid religious observances, there needs to be an awakening.
People often complain about the system and how unfair it is. Dear One, who runs the system? People! Who is in charge of our school system? People? Who makes up the communities we live in? People. What of the universities, colleges, and businesses? They all include people. Even within the medical field, it is run by the people. Even a hospital or rehab cannot function without people. What of the church? It needs people as well. And even the government requires people, otherwise there would be no need to hold elections.
A state cannot manage itself. A community cannot function on its own, nor can the government run itself. Even the system cannot work without its citizens. The common link is the people. While many want to blame the system, politics, Christianity, or even social status for the problems, the responsibility ultimately lies with the people. Repentance and obedience release God's favor, so honoring His sovereignty is for our greater good.
Even when others move to a different state, community, or country, whether it is because of the economy or personal matters, who is responsible for the state of the union? Its leaders. And personal matters usually involve relationships with other people. And even infrastructure involves people.
Dear One, what are you contributing to make America better? Do not be part of the problem; be a part of the solution. Stop complaining and do something to purify America’s heart. If you do not like who is in office, now is the time to prepare your campaign to run for office.
So, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America on this Fourth of July 4, 2026, I ask you, what are you contributing to reconnect us to God? Do you lift the marginalized from despair or treat them as if they do not exist? Are you helping the least of these gain access to the resources they desperately need?
Even Scripture tells us that those in need will always be among us, but do not withhold from helping them. No, you do not enable them, but even providing them with resources that help them gain skills and jobs can improve their lives. (Matthew 26:11, ESV)
Are you kind and forgiving of others as Christ forgave you? Or do you hold grudges and spread bitterness and anger? (Ephesians 4:32)
When your enemy falls and reaps what they sowed, do you rejoice or show mercy? (Proverbs 24:17-18)
Do you love your neighbor as you love yourself? Or do you spread hatred and racism? (Galatians 5:14)
Are you honest and take responsibility for your actions, or take pride in making excuses and blaming others? Do you build up or tear down your community? (James 4:1-17)
Do you honor and embrace God and His principles, or enact laws that go against them? Do you even have the reverential fear of the Lord? (Isaiah 30:21)
Every decision this country has made that went against the principles of God has caused tremendous suffering and pain. Dear One, only we can reclaim America as we trust in the Lord and live according to His principles and not depending on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6). His wisdom must be a guiding light, empowering us in decisions and settling conflicts while His abiding Holy Spirit shapes our actions. (Proverbs 16:3).
With unwavering faith in the Lord and devotion to Him, we must be the light-bearer who shines so the world sees our good works and glorifies God. Whatever happens, or regardless of the division among us, I challenge all of us to do our part in leaving behind a residue of the love of God everywhere we go. Have a 4th of July that reflects the life-changing power of Almighty God. Our only hope is Jesus!
I pray the song, We Need God In America Again stirs your heart to go and make disciples of Christ.
TIME FOR REFLECTION: How can we emulate Jesus in reaching out to those of all lifestyles without compromising our godly principles? Let's discuss it in the comments below. Hit that heart and share this holiday message.
Comments