America's Greatest Enemy

President Abraham Lincoln once said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power" (brainyquote.com).  An ancient biblical proverb says, "Two things I ask of you (God) . . . give me neither poverty or riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:7-9).

The idea conveyed is having little or much can affect the character of a person . . . and a nation.   The United States has seen both.  In her early years she had little, while in modern times she has had much.  Today, the U.S. is the leader in innovation, has the greatest university system, the world’s most powerful military, the largest economy and provides unequaled human freedoms.    

Since the late 1800’s, which began the industrial age, America has seen incredible growth and I believe this success has changed America’s character.  Her pride has grown into arrogance.  Her increased knowledge has questioned the need for God.  Her advancements in technology have made her like a god and her hi-tech weapons have replaced God’s protection.     

The principle of abundance leading to a denial of God is a predictable pattern.  When riches, power and success mount there is a quiet shifting of the heart and soul of a nation that when left unchecked leads to its downfall.   

What is America’s greatest enemy?  Ourselves.  The lure of money and power is becoming our Great Destroyer.  Its deceptive appeal has caused us to think too highly of ourselves.  It has created a false sense of security bringing us to believe we are a nation that is indestructible and indispensable to the world.  We have been willingly seduced by prosperity giving birth to the illicit children of ease, complacency and immorality.      

What shall we do?  Let us examine our ways and not walk the paths of other nations.  Let us learn from the downfall of Ancient Empires like Rome, Egypt, Greece and the once vast British Empire.  America’s future is up to its own citizens.  Will we trust in ourselves or Almighty God?  The answer determines our national destiny.  Let us turn to Christ and may He be the hope of our nation.   

Men at Work

Men, have you ever been told any form of this statement? “You work too much!” Conversely, have you ever been told? “I appreciate your hard work!”

I want to give a cheer to all the men who put in long hours on the job, whose employment puts them on the road away from their families and those who manage multiple jobs. You work hard. Sacrifice. In the end, you have provided for your family and have given a great example of a strong work ethic.

Our Creator gave Adam, the first man created, and every man three purposes. 1- He is to provide for his household. 2 – He is to be the leader of his home. 3 – He is to protect those under his care. These are hard-wired into his DNA. When a man fulfills these purposes it creates a feeling of satisfaction. When a man distorts or flatly shirks his duties it creates the feeling of a meaningless existence.

However, can a man work hard and still miss the mark? Yes! We were created to work, but within God-ordained boundaries of The Great Commandment. These boundaries teach men to love God and others. A man gets it right when through his work he honor’s God and serves others, no matter if he is a CEO or plumber. A man gets it wrong when he works and lives with a selfish ideology. Provision for the family becomes the pursuit of money, success or things. Leadership in the family is shifted to the spouse. Protective instincts become reversed, filtering situations through the grid of, “How will this impact me?”

When men put God and others (family) first, the balance between work and home will be reached. Jesus is the perfect example. He was a driven person who was the hardest working man to ever walk the planet. He once said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34). Yet, as you read about His life, you can see His work was not about Himself, it was about others. No one ever told Jesus to slow down and cut back His hours. Why? Because He got it right. He worked to honor His Father (God) and to serve others. Consequently, everyone cheered Him on. To every man, blessings on you! May Jesus be your example and your hope for today.

Liberator of Women

"Why are you helping me?” The woman said to Captain Nathan Algren, from Hollywood’s block buster film The Last Samurai.  She was carrying some items and the Captain came to help.  In her surprise she commented that “Japanese men don’t help with things like this.” 

The treatment and liberation of women around the world has taken a tremendous leap forward in the last 100 years.  And yes, there is still much work to do.  The first steps toward raising the value of women in society began nearly 2,000 years ago.  It started with Jesus Christ, who is history’s greatest liberator of women.  There are five ways in which He changed the course of history.

Defense.  Jesus had celebrity status, as He gathered crowds in the thousands around Him.  They hung on His every word.  In the midst of this platform He defended women when society tried to demean and dismiss them. 

Challenging the status quo.  Jesus put His life and reputation on the line challenging the unjust but acceptable ways in which women were treated during His day.  Through knowingly opposing cultural rules He became a voice for the voiceless.       

Equality.  Jesus demonstrated that women were as equally valuable as men.  He saw no difference in a man’s worth over a woman’s.  Both were created and loved by God.   

Compassion.   Jesus showed kindness toward women of all ranks in society.  Upper, middle and lower classes.  He showed words and deeds of peace, hope and freedom to all women who would choose to believe in Him.  

Accountability.  Even though Jesus offered promise to women, He also called them to repentance.  He realized true freedom is not just found in changing man’s laws or cultural ideals.  He offered liberation of the soul through forgiveness of sin.  When women are delivered from sin they discover real freedom.   

Jesus and those who follow His example offer a message to women around the world.  Those in abusive relationships, oppressive cultures and feeling on the fringe of society, can find worth in Christ.  While publicly standing against one woman’s accusers Jesus said to her “‘Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?’  She said, ‘No one, Lord.’  And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more’” (John 8:10-11).  Across the world, Jesus calls husbands, businesses and governments to honor the God-given value women have.  May Jesus be the hope of women today and forever.