I'm grateful for America and that God placed me here. Not that the USA is flawless. Far from it. As a product of fallen human beings, the best we do will always fall short. This leaves many issues woven through our historical fabric demanding attention.
But I ask myself, if not here, then where would I choose to be? The Republic of China has just rescinded freedoms promised the citizens of Hong Kong back when the UK transferred sovereignty. On the Chinese mainland gospel centered churches have been shut down and pastors arrested. The Hindi government in India continues its persecution of Christians, as do the warring parties in Nigeria. And the European nations along with most North America has embraced the LGBTQ movement and it's agenda, pressuring citizens to reject historical, Biblical sexual norms. Sin, universal as it is, leaves no place untouched. Injustice runs far and wide in this broken world.
So what's better here? We have a Constitution that secures key rights and responsibilities, even if we've not always lived up to them. Men and women of all races have fought, and many died, to cement these. As a result, we are a nation of diversity, with the freedom to live as we believe God calls us to live, and to preach His word as He calls us to preach it. When problems arise, we have the means for addressing them. So, while our government officials don't always act as I believe they should, I can't say I'd rather be any place else.
But, and this is important, the USA is not my home. It's my mission field. Scripture says in Philippians 3:20 that the Christian's citizenship is in heaven, and that we eagerly await the return of our Savior. And so, as a believer, I rejoice in the freedoms we share in this country, I pray for and work toward correcting those issues that bring harm to my neighbors, and I seek to glorify my Lord as I share His word, for it's in the gospel that one truly finds freedom. But home’s not here. Home is with our Lord!
Enjoy the 4th!
Bro. Jim