I am an American citizen. I am a combat veteran.
I am a patriot. I love my country.
These are some of the reasons it is so painful for me to see the greatest country to ever exist being brought to its knees from within. The moral fabric of our nation is being ripped apart at the seams. 40 – 50 % of marriages end in divorce and many couples are choosing to live together instead of marrying. The majority of Americans believe abortion should remain legal including many who call themselves Christian. Coming out as gay, bi or trans has become a mark of courage instead of the abomination that God’s word says it is. Some churches now claim that homosexuality is accepted by God.
Over the past year we have seen an astounding uptick in hate and violence. We have seen rioting and looting in the streets. We now live with the fear of anarchy.
Some of us may be wrestling with questions like this.
Will there be a civil war? Will my freedoms be taken away?
Should I buy a gun? Should I stock up on ammunition?
Should I get off the grid? Should I stockpile food?
If I’m being honest these are some of the questions, I think about in times like this.
So, how should we respond as followers of Jesus as we see our beloved country falling apart before us?
First, remember that Jesus was born into a kingdom that in many ways was much worse than the United States. The church was birthed in the Roman empire and the gospel was spread through persecution. The early church did not experience freedom of religion or freedom of speech. They experienced persecution just like many of our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.
Second, rest in the truth that kingdoms rise and fall but God’s Kingdom will always prevail.
In Daniel 7:27 the messenger said this to Daniel.
.
And the kingdom and the dominion
and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven
shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;
his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’
God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and all other kingdoms will serve and obey Him. Yes, that includes the United States of America.
Third, our battle is not against flesh and blood. Paul writes this in Ephesians 6:12.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Our war is not a physical one that is fought with AR 15’s and body armor. Our war is spiritual and is fought with supernatural weapons that have the ability to destroy spiritual strongholds. Paul continues with this in verse 13.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
The armor of God helps us to stand firm when confronted with evil. A question I have been asking myself is, do I really believe that the armor of God and prayer are more powerful than guns and tanks? Do you believe that?
So, it is true, that Donald Trump was my president and Joe Biden is my president, but Jesus is my King.
I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God. I am a soldier of Christ.
I am a Christian. I love my God.