I hear people every day talk and complain about what is wrong with my country. I hear people make jokes about the age of our president. I’m not going to joke about his age. I’m almost as old as he is, and I have the privilege here and now to be a pastor of a great church where I can preach the gospel like the Holy Spirit leads me to preach it. Where else in this world is it possible for an old man full of wisdom and years of experience to be president. Where else in this world can an old man read his Bible and preach the gospel to a room full of people who are hungry to hear it. Abraham was 70 years old when God called him to service. Noah was over 900 years old when he built the ark. Joshua was almost 100 when he entered the promised land. The apostle John was an old man when God showed him the wonder of heaven from a prison cell on the Isle of Patmos. Like in the Bible, age is honored in America. This country cares for people who have served well and lived long. I’m an old man who loves his country because his country loves him.
America is still a place where the truth matters. I’m not talking about opinions or competing versions of truth. I’m talking about the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Truth matters to God because every word from His mouth is true, “All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal” (Psalm 119:160). We still put our hand on the Bible and swear, “I promise to tell the truth…”. The laws of this country plus the health of our social order depend on our commitment to that premise. The truth is still the bedrock of our constitution, our legal system, and our daily practice. We believe in the power of truth that not only sets us free but keeps us free (John 8:32).
I love America because here Jesus can be Lord over all things. Not a manmade king. Not a clever, well-positioned, or financed politician. Not a billionaire or mega corporation. People in America can make Jesus Lord rather than the government or any secular institution. We live in a place where the kingdom of God is greater than the kingdoms of this world. People in America still believe in Jesus and are free to choose Him over anything manmade. America is still a country where what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 actually happens, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given unto you.” That’s why America continues to be the most blessed nation in all the earth. People here are free to make Jesus Lord of their lives and put His kingdom first.
This July 4th, I’m still thanking God that I have been blessed to live in the greatest nation ever. I’m proud to be an American.