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July 2010:
The Red, White & Blue by Matthew Coad This country has come a long way since the first Fourth. We tend to look up to the men who were responsible for our founding, and wonder why the Christians in America today aren't having a similar impact. What was it that made those men great? But that is the wrong question to ask (though it is a good starting point). True greatness tends to be accidental. The really great men that we admire were not trying to be great; they were only doing their duty, and they would be the first to tell you so. The Father of Our Country, George Washington, did not aspire to greatness, but had greatness thrust upon him. He was not a "politician"; he took office reluctantly, and held office only as long as he believed it was best for those he served. And this last point is key--service. We hear Jesus' words so many times that we no longer hear them: Whoever would be great among you must be your servant. He who has been faithful over a little will be set over much. When you have done all you were commanded, you will say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty." How did preceding generations achieve what they did? By being faithful servants in duties that did not appear to hold promise for greatness. They were extremely gifted and talented men, of course. But their success and achievements were due more to their faithfulness and servanthood than to their prodigious gifts. Then how did we get in the state we are in today? By being unfaithful in little duties, by neglecting things that "didn't matter." The lifeblood of a nation is not in its politics, but in its churches, its families, and its individuals. We all want to restore America to her former greatness. Let us begin by being faithful in every task God gives us, and in serving one another. In living by duty, faithfulness, and service, we will find true liberty, and true greatness. Happy Independence Day! |
