God Bless America? America, Bless God!
A few days ago, we celebrated our nation’s birthday. Across the country there were flags waving, families gathering, fireworks lighting up the night sky and many hearts filled with gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. It is right to be thankful. It is right to remember the sacrifices that have been made. It is right to appreciate the blessings God has allowed us to enjoy in this land.
Many of us have often said, sung or prayed the words, “God bless America.” I believe that is still a good prayer. I want God to bless America. I want Him to protect our nation, guide our leaders, preserve our freedoms and show us mercy. But perhaps the greater question is not only, “Will God bless America?” Perhaps the greater question is, “Will America bless God?”
Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
America has been greatly blessed. We have the freedom to gather in church, open the Bible, preach the gospel, sing praises to God and teach our children the truth. Many believers around the world do not have such liberty. Some meet in secret. Some hide their Bibles. Some risk their safety simply to worship Christ. Yet we can gather freely and that is no small blessing.
We have also been blessed with opportunity, provision, and gospel light. Churches have been planted, missionaries have been sent, Bibles have been printed and countless souls have heard the good news of Jesus Christ in this country. God has been good to America.
However, blessing brings responsibility. Luke 12:48 says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” The danger of blessing is that we can enjoy the gifts while forgetting the Giver. We can enjoy freedom while neglecting faithfulness. We can enjoy prosperity while ignoring prayer. We can enjoy opportunity while drifting farther from God.
There is no doubt that America is in a battle. Some describe it as liberal versus conservative, left versus right or traditional versus progressive. But at the deepest level, the battle is spiritual. It is a battle over truth, life, the home, morality, and the authority of God’s Word.
John 17:17 says, “ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Truth is not created by opinion, culture, feelings, or popular vote. Truth comes from God. When a nation rejects God’s truth, it does not become more enlightened; it becomes more confused.
Yet Christians must be careful. This is not a call to hatred, arrogance or cruelty. We can stand for truth with compassion. We can hold conviction without being hateful. We can love people and still refuse to compromise the Word of God.
The greatest need in America is not merely political change. Our hope is not ultimately in Washington, an election, a court or a party. America needs revival and revival is the responsibility of the church house, not the White House. Judgment must begin at the house of God. We cannot expect the nation to honor God if God’s people are not honoring Him.
If we truly have a burden for America, it should drive us to prayer, repentance and gospel witness. We should not look at sinners as enemies to be destroyed, but as souls who need to be saved. Romans 10:1 says, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” That ought to be our heart for America.
So yes, may God bless America. But may America bless God. Let us bless Him with humility, prayer, repentance, obedience, worship and faithfulness. And before we ask the whole nation to bless God, let it begin with us.
Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”
Jimmy Barrett is a resident of Blackshear and pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Waycross.
