The truth is, that we humans have an unrelenting soul hunger for purpose, value, security, and approval. We call it “identity.”
The truth is, that our identity must come from a source greater than and outside of ourselves, and the only two options are the spirit realms of God who rules in the Kingdom of Heaven, and of Satan, who presently rules this world. Because of Adam’s sin we inherited a bent toward the latter but because of Jesus we can chose the former!
The truth is, that we American Christians have unusual opportunity to try to satisfy our soul hunger with things of the world, and that we “set our minds” on those things and pursue them with passion. We typically see little need to set our minds on “things above,” being satisfied to have enough of God to eventually get into heaven but indulging in America’s comforts and pleasures for now. Refute that.
THE FACT THAT. . .
The fact that we never have “enough” reveals our vanity, but we believe “the lie” that we can decide for ourselves and keep trying. And trying. And trying.
The “Set your minds” of Col. 3:1-2 (See July 8) and embracing Rom. 8:5, require confessing this vanity, and repenting. Repentance means turning from it to seeking the Life that God offers through Jesus – – and we’re not ready for that because we still have “opportunity.”
The fact is, that God prospered America for His purposes. He gave us extraordinary resources including our political system, and by His Spirit and the faithfulness of the Church the Gospel is now in every region of the earth.
HOWEVER. . .
However, we are increasingly turning our hearts toward sinful self-indulgence even to the extent of refuting the Biblical and moral foundations that made America strong – – thus bringing judgment that will mean the loss of our opportunities. And suffering like we have never imagined.
Our only hope is to set our minds on things above. NOW is the time but it requires abiding in Christ in a way that heightens our awareness of our bent toward vanity, and then draws us into His Life. Wisdom demands that but pride would forbid it. What now?
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, Ohio USA
July 18, 2021
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Haven’t been on here in a while….so it is no coincidence that I read this tonight after my husband and I just had a conversation of how America was truly established based on God and His Word and that no other nation (except Israel) can say this…. ( at least not that we know of)
So, you ask “What now?” ~ Gal. 5 Rom 12:1-2 Phil. 3 came to mind first. I also did a quick search on pride and found Jeremiah 9:23-30 – certainly applicable to our nation today and v. 26b could be said of the church in America.
Time for some circumcision of the heart!
Thanks for your thoughts there. We are so blessed by the godly vision of our founding fathers an soooo at risk for having lost that vision. The consequences are unavoidable.