The Separation of Church and State

2 Chronicles 7:14

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

A country works best when its citizens feel like they have a voice even if they are in the minority.  So, I believe very strongly in freedom of religion.  I do not think any group of people should be made to feel like they are not free to practice their religion as long as the laws of the nation are respected.  No person should feel like his religious beliefs are being devalued or mocked.  But, America must take a stand and choose to believe in something.  The Pledge of Allegiance was written with a promise to make America one nation under God.  The forefathers wrote about trusting God on their money.  These lofty aspirations have not been reached by any means, but the forefathers had the right idea.  Would it really be so bad if America was a nation ruled by God?  I think not.  God can be trusted.  He is the best example of how love is a powerful weapon that can overcome any foe.  He values free will.  God teaches how to maintain order and peace through forgiveness.   He promises abundance to those that follow his commandments.  This is just the healing that our nation should be seeking.

This has begun to sound very theoretical.  So, let's look at how God's words can be manifested and made alive.  God sent us the Bible which contains excellent advice about how to address any issue that could arise in our personal lives and in the nation.  "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27 NIV).  We could suggest that this is a good starting place, but allow each citizen to choose how to proceed.  Not everyone will believe in God or even agree on how He should be worshipped.  But, at the very least, America could expect honor from its citizens.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  We adults would have to undergo a transformation.  The petty judgments, biases, and selfishness would be moved out of the way so that we could hear the children begging for help.  We should give them what we want.  An America where everyone feels valued and protected would be lovely.  Our diverse and loved children could learn how to treat themselves and the people around them with kindness and gentleness.  They will become our nation's leaders as adults.   Honesty will be valued.  What a joy to see a nation where politicians tell the hard truths and get elected.  Citizens will say, "We understand that sacrifices have to be made so that everyone can prosper."  Leaders in the business and financial world will worry less about the bottom line because they will know that providing a good product and good service bring the victor the spoils.  The news will be the truth and nothing but truth without the vicious spin.  Our entertainers will be more emotionally stable and more likely to really live the good life.  The best gift comes when our foreign policy reflects an attitude of respect.  Other countries will know that we will help when asked, leave when unwanted, and never try to steal a desirable natural resources.  America could be a friendly, powerful nation; this does not mean that we would leave our borders unprotected or allow our citizens to be abused.  The impossible becomes possible when God is involved.

America would flourish with each thoughtful act, but more is required, now.  A call to worship is being made.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.  Those who are called by the name of God must pray more openly.  The state will be saved when the church prays for it fervently.  So, I am challenging all believers to be bolder.  Let's be brave and say we will call upon the Lord to heal our financial woes.  A national day of prayer should be scheduled.  We must believe God will hear our cries (Psalm 34:17 NIV).  An answered prayer will encourage the church, our nation, and the world.  Then, we could get cocky and pray about every national issue.  One nation under God could mean liberty and justice for all, finally.  Even if you don't believe, you must admit that would be GLORIOUS!