An Observation

Have you ever noticed how some people command greater respect or attention when speaking. There are several reasons for this including intellect, wealth, status, or a rank. As we know, the Bible tells us that man looks on the outward appearance, but God weighs the heart.

I have seen this trait in the blogging realm as well. What I mean is that certain Canadian bloggers are sometimes dismissed as being irrelevant or not as important simply because they live outside the US of A. Now this is by no means a comprehensive statement of American sentiment, but none-the-less, there is a small segment that exude this attitude in their posts and comments. I understand completely their underlying premise, as they perhaps feel we are simply objective and disinterested parties in the affairs of the U.S. Of course, there may be some bloggers that are simply off base in their words and merit a shrug, myself being not excluded at times.

But as I pondered this, I began to see a spiritual parallel. Throughout the pages of scripture and history, men are given greater hearings simply because they possessed some quality that many others were desirous of.

For example, Israel was called to be a light to the nations and a demonstration of the glory of God to the nations. Sadly, she fell into disrepute and destruction through succumbing to the snare of idolatry. Her glory was removed and her people scattered and destroyed.

Similarly in history, God has raised up nation after nation not simply because He wanted to bless them, but rather that His glory would be seen in a greater way throughout the earth. The Roman empire prepared the way for the gospel by uniting the people under one form of government, building efficient roads, and establishing law and order. The apostle Paul was then able to travel great distances to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the known world.

Germany was the birthplace of the reformation enabling the gospel to once again be understood and received by the common man. The modern missionary movement had it's start in the Moravian brethren going abroad.

Years later, God raised up England because of the faithful preaching of the gospel by godly men, who had been greatly influenced by the men before them. Consider the choices France and England made, France embracing secular humanism while Britain received the gospel through men such as Whitefield, Wesley, etc. The results were astounding in their differences.

I am saying all that to say this; God has definitely raised up America to be the dominant nation in the earth today. But this is not so y'all can live comfortable lives free from suffering, disease, or want. Rather just as Esther was raised up for such a time as this, so too, God has blessed America with abundance and respect so that He may be glorified.

Americans do gain a hearing citizens from other countries envy. People look to the US as the model for prosperity and success. But do they hear the gospel when they come? Are they confronted with the true riches?

Proverbs tells us that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Furthermore wealth, riches, and a crown do not endure to all generations.

The privileges and benefits of bearing the torch come with a great responsibility. Hold fast the light of the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for all to see. Let us remember we are blessed to be a blessing to others.