One Nation Under God: 5 Steps to Stand Your Ground
Photo by Jon Sailer
The 4th of July is probably my favorite holiday. Maybe its because there is no stress attached to it. There is no expectation of how this holiday should look. I love the carefree feeling of summer, and I love to watch the beautiful fireworks.
This year I appreciate that we can still celebrate together as "One Nation Under God." This declaration over our country is a foundational anchor that has tied us to the blessings of God since the beginning. Our forefathers didn't do everything right - they made a lot of mistakes, but they also did a lot that was good. I don't claim to be a historian. Still, I know that the freedoms and prosperity that we enjoy today are a direct result of those men honoring God.
Some say that we need to get rid of historical monuments and statues because of the bad things these men did. Well, I have to pull a Jesus card on that one as He said, "He who is without sin among you, throw the first stone." (John 8:7) The Bible says that we ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Not one of us can say, "Yep, I have done everything right!"
A lot of your beliefs and how you conduct yourself is a direct result of your upbringing. It is a reflection of who and what influenced you throughout your life. Your culture plays into your actions as well. I am always surprised to see how other cultures do things. What may be acceptable in their culture would not even come close to okay in our society.
The same is true over the years in America. The culture of when this country was founded compared to now is like comparing apples to oranges. They are totally different. We can't hold today's enlightenment and culture against our forefathers culture of their day. All we can do is to learn from past mistakes and try to be better with the wisdom we have.
More than ever before, the devil is working overtime to demolish this country and its founding principles. We are becoming a country divided instead of united. The enemy is working to divide us using party lines, race, economic status, or age. You name it, he is using it, and we are buying his lies hook, line, and sinker!
As Christians, we need to remind ourselves that people are not our enemy. Democrats or Republicans are not the enemies. The media is not the enemy. Your neighbor is not your enemy. Your enemy cannot be found in flesh and blood.
Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Our enemy is not a physical one but a spiritual one. Because of that, we have to fight spiritually, not physically.
If you love God and love this country, then you have a part to play. You can no longer barry your head in the sand and wait till the storm blows over. I'm here to tell you that the storm is not going to be over till Jesus comes to take us home. Therefore, the following list is how to stand your spiritual ground and to fight back against the enemy.
Put on the Armor. Ephesians 6 goes on to tell you how to put on the armor of God and fight with your sword (Which is the Word of God).
Stand. While the world is shouting to stand for their cause, stand for and on God's Word. Stand on His promises and do not waver!
Pray. Ephesians 6:18 says, "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.." Instead of talking about what is going on, pray about what is going on. Keep it before God, giving your angels charge over you in all your ways.
Be watchful. Again, do not barry your head in the sand, but watch and be wise on how the enemy is moving. This link to this prayer is a great one to arm yourself not to be deceived these days.
Stay connected. Make it your priority (as if your life depended on it) to stay connected to God through prayer, reading His Word, and going to church. In this day of technology, there is no excuse for not staying connected. The devil is looking for whom he may devour. Don't tempt him by sitting on the fence of your faith.
The only line of division you should make is against your enemy, the devil.
It's time to sink your heels into your faith in God and stand un-wavering. As Christians, let's stay united and stand firm under the banner of THE Almighty One. Amen!