Being a hybrid people, it seems fitting that Americans have been willing to sacrifice their lives for other nations. Out of many, one, is our nation's motto. America has decided that the one formed from many will stand beside all who cherish the same values that our nation is predicated upon. For it is the values that create the sum, both in math and in social studies.
Americans are also human. This means that at times in our history, the populace and/or our leaders have chosen to follow a course contrary to America's benevolent nature. In every instance, those decisions were rationalized by an appeal to our self-interest. Historically, there is nothing unusual about a people acting according to their self-interest. What makes America special however, is the consistency in which it has gone against its interests to do what is right and help the powerless, oppressed and the disenfranchised.
This is unique in the cut-throat history of man. Nations try to lead by dominance, not example. That is what allowed America to have a system that foreigners could trust and desire to emulate.
As America endures a period of economic hardship, it will be hard to resist the call of self-interest. The real question in a global economy is not how to save ourselves, but how do we inspire nations around the world to fulfill their potential? It was right there in front of us, but the greed of those who manage our financial system, combined with the ignorance of our political leadership, has created a massive roadblock on the path to prosperity. Any reformed criminal knows that the easy money is always hard, and that the hard earned money is easy, in the long run. Short-cuts and crime end up destroying your life with the payment of years in prison. Hard work and patience are the only means to an enjoyable, honorable life.
Proud men boast about what they'd be willing to die for: their nation, religion, or family. Dying is easy, it's living that's hard. You can never die for something you haven't lived for. Before boasting about what you'd die for, ask yourself what you're living for. Have Americans been living according to the principles that allowed it to become a great nation?
Before any foot is set on a battlefield, there is always a war of ideas. The war of ideas is not over, and there will be many more sacrifices required. The cornerstone upon which Americans have built their nation is Jesus Christ, period. It was Christianity that was at the heart of our laws and culture. Does America's recent behavior and policies reflect that of what you would expect from a Christian nation?
I write this just before the Feast of the Epiphany. It was fitting that three kings would bring gifts to the King of Kings. Before He takes dominion over all the earth at the Last Judgment, to literally be the King of Kings, He remains the King of Hearts. For His presence in this world tests the hearts of all. If your heart is true, you will be impacted by His sacrifice and His message. That is what makes a Christian. When people or nations follow His example, and go against worldly self-interests, it is a special moment. For that is when we acknowledge that there is a bigger picture than ourselves, that we must come bearing gifts, that the Kingdom is here.
To read my blogs and my books, please go to my web site www.crimeandculture.com.
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