God Bless America?

Since the 9/11 tragedy, the phrase 'God Bless America' is seen and heard everywhere. What an incredible change of opinion this is for most of the media and secular America. For decades now we have excluded prayer and the Ten Commandments from our schools, prohibited community manger scenes at Christmas, and outlawed any public references to Christianity in our ceremonies, sporting events and other public gatherings. However, in the wake of the horrific events of 9/11, it seems the impenetrable wall between church and state has collapsed with the World Trade Center.

We, who arrogantly ran God out of our schools, media and government in times of peace and prosperity, have come scurrying back to beg His favor in a time of national crisis. The universal response on the part of witnesses, victims, newscasters and statesmen alike was to proclaim the words: God Bless America! It has become a rallying cry that unites us and at the same time displays our defiance to fall under the tyranny of terrorism. Soon after observing this phenomena, I thought, "Hmm, no one seems to object to public prayer today, where is the ACLU now?"

While I find the practice somewhat hypocritical, I’m not complaining. I see this as a good sign for America and an open door for us who are Christians. Our countrymen have once again acknowledged our dependence on a Sovereign Power, and hardened hearts are more open than they have been in generations. We, the church, need to capitalize on this openness and use it to bring the message of salvation to a hurting nation.

People are saying "God Bless America" and that is good, but it is not enough. They are comfortable with their image of a distant God and asking his benevolence from afar. But, I ask you, how often in the aftermath of this tragedy have you heard anyone mention the name of Jesus? From all appearances, it is now politically correct to invoke God's name and allow prayer, but what about the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life? Jesus is the Savior of the world and the Name above all names, let's hear more about Him! People these days are full of questions, and we Christians sing that Jesus is the Answer. So why aren't we hearing His name? I'm saying that we the church need to take it past the "God bless you, have a good day, Gesundheit" level, and take this opportunity to turn the conversation to Christ, the author of our salvation, our only hope.

I've pondered this dilemma since that dreadful day, searching for clues on how to take advantage of this opportunity. Today in church I got an answer on how we can make the segue from simply uttering a popular slogan, God Bless America, to sharing the gospel. It's contained in one verse: John 3:16. When we hear "God bless America" we can respond with the words "God loves America."

"He does?" they may ask.

Yes, it is in the Bible: God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Let's put America in that phrase, as America is part of the world. God so loves America that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. This may lead to a chance to pray with someone for salvation, right there on the spot.

More often than not, though, you may not get the chance to say much more than that one verse. We don't always have the opportunity or time to engage in a long conversation with each person we encounter throughout the day. However, take heart. The meat of the gospel is contained in that verse and I assure you, there is much power in those few words. We have to trust that God's word doesn't go forth in vain but accomplishes His will.

Who knows but that simple verse will ring and reverberate in the hearer's head and at some later time, drive him to his knees in repentance as he prays to receive the gift of salvation? We are not responsible for the outcome of our witness, we are only responsible to give it. I hope this simple idea will inspire and encourage you to make the most of every opportunity, so that every time you hear the words "God Bless America," you can sow a seed.

Let's be ready with the words of eternal life: God Bless America!

God loves America--so much that He gave His only Son!

© 2001, 2002 Lou Tharnish, All Rights Inspired by God