DON'T DEBUNK AMERICA'S HERITAGE

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

Appreciate what you have before you risk losing it.

 

FAMILIAL
The weekend we celebrated my father's 90th birthday gave me pause. I've reflected on his life, what my father taught me, and why I value my traditional Christian upbringing. My folks were young when their five children were born. Yet they understood the important aspects of parenting. They raised us within a biblical framework. They taught us to be people of character, to value honesty, righteousness, integrity; to do the right thing even when no one is looking. Our family's spiritual beliefs colored everything we did. A Christian heritage blesses when done rightly and lived lovingly. It influences for the good since it is based on godly, gracious principles and loving, unselfish actions.

NATIONAL
What about our country? The beliefs upon which America was founded colored the building blocks of our nation. Often we read and hear degrading comments regarding the USA. America, in times past, was defined by its values, many of which were based on its heritage and the principles of its citizens. People strove to better their lot and to contribute to the American dream. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" predominantly influenced culture at large. Truth and justice were held dear. Hard work and personal achievement were unwritten codes that strengthened people's resolve. The Ten Commandments were guidelines that mattered, that incorporated honorable ways of behavior in people's deeds, actions, and loyalties. Brave people they were in many respects. I believe we should look with favor on the blessings of our country instead of demeaning them.

INTERNAL
God has blessed America. Liberty is tied to the heritage that our founding fathers understood as human rights. Justice for all was not an academic phrase to them. They knew that respect for humanity, respect for God-given principles, respect for law and justice guide a nation well. We were given gifts by the people who went before us. Many lived with a higher purpose tied to divine enabling. Though not perfect, they contributed moral astuteness and strength of character; they were good people whose influence outlasted their lives. I am grateful they stayed the course. May their example not be lost. May we not debunk the blessedness of  our American heritage. May we also determine to correct America's areas of blindness, where Americans have not been treated with equal justice or equal representation; where we as a people have not been loving, kind, or fair.

 

LIFE, LIBERTY and the PURSUIT of HAPPINESS 

The "American Dream" is what people from world over come to America for, and for the "hope" it promises them, a country governed with laws "by the people, for the people." Most in America, even those who criticize her, are in some way participating in this dream. The belief in the goodness inherent in people comes from a belief that every person has intrinsic value. That is one reason why pro-lifers won't ever give up. That is why the marginalized speak up. That is why we must be fair in our dealings. That is why we as a nation believe in liberty and justice for all.

CHRISTIAN LIBERTY

People of faith live out their faith with a responsibility to family, friends, community, co-workers, the government and, ultimately, to God. That responsibility to one another and the communities in which they live, in what is now a divided nation, has been tested in recent months... as the pandemic rages and cuts into people's way of life, as the protests, riots and unrest take a toll, and as the election controversies continue to spew anger, doubt, and discord among us. Do we care? Do we love? Do we respect our leaders? Do we take our mandate seriously? As ordinary citizens it is hard to remain positive when we don't agree with what's coming down, or when we suspicion or are convinced that we are being lied to. We can't just roll over and play dead. That begs the question. What to do?

 

WWJD

What would Jesus do? We are called to love, Christ loved. We are called to respect those in authority, "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's, to God what is God's." I admit to struggling with how our American civil liberties are being treated right now. Some authorities are misusing or abusing them. Some haters are hating, despising, and destroying. Some core values are being compromised and disregarded. Power can be used for the good or for the bad. Nevertheless, I will always defend liberty and justice for all. I will follow God's ways. I will bless them that curse me. I will defend the poor and downtrodden. I will strive to do what is right, even when uncomfortable, like what Jesus did with the money changers while defending His Father's house and God's honor from thieves who were taking advantage. Jesus wasn't soft on the Pharisees, either. Jesus spoke truth. So should we. Jesus sewed love. So should we. Jesus lived justly. So should we. I am convinced there is a way through this season without destroying America's heritage. 

 

What would Jesus do? He would do what He taught.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 

¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  

¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  

¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

-Matthew 5