America’s greatness comes from America’s goodness.
Proverbs 14:34 – Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
In the early 1830s, a French political scientist, diplomat, and historian named Alexis de Tocqueville came to America to analyze the functioning of political and civil society. He compiled the results of his studies in Democracy in America. In it, he wrote, “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there; in her fertile fields and boundless prairies, and it was not there; in her rich mines and in her vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power: America is great because America is good. And if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
In today’s world, “good” has lost its sharpness; but in the classical sense, as used by de Tocqueville, goodness was the opposite of evil, the antithesis of rebellion against the eternal laws of God.
James 4:17 says, Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Keep a repentant heart before the Lord; seek to do what is right, righteous and good in all things. That, dear Christian, also includes exercising your civic duty, responsibility and right by voting in the coming election. Study to know whose values align with the Lord’s, who would stir the nation to righteousness, be prayerful, and then vote.
Pray With Us
God of Mercy, You have given so many blessings to America. You have surrounded us with the beauty of Your creation. You have gifted us with many great teachers and preachers who expound on Your Word rightly dividing Your truth. You have promised us sound minds and discernment, through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us as a nation to use Your gifts to benefit others, to follow Your commands and Your laws, to love our neighbors as ourselves. Give me an opportunity to extend a loving hand to someone today. Thank You, in Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
