I love our country, but I don’t trust many of its current leaders. My gratitude for this country is rooted in its biblical foundation, its amazing freedoms, and the sacrifice of the men and women who’ve fought to protect that foundation and those freedoms.
Whether the revisionist historians like it or not, several of our founding fathers were influenced by the Bible as they determined many of the formative principles for our country.
For example, James Madison wisely included in our Constitution the concept of separation of powers. He based that idea on Isaiah 33:22: “For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us.” In that verse Madison saw the need for three branches of government: judicial (the LORD is our judge), legislative (the LORD is our lawgiver), and executive (the LORD is our king). Because of the governmental principle of that verse we are able to maintain a balance of power in our constitutional republic. That one decision, based on that Bible verse, has protected our country from becoming an autocracy over these last 250 years.
Another example of a founding leader influenced by Scripture is John Jay, the first U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice. He once said, “The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the Word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Regulate your life by it’s precepts.” John Jay was right because, through the Bible, God has given to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).
I do wish that we had leaders in our current government like James Madison and John Jay. Clearly those men respected the Bible. There was a day not that long ago where, in the United States of America, our leaders understood that true strength for life comes from the Word of God. They understood that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
My own testimony is that the Bible has given me mental health, emotional balance, spiritual strength, and even physical vitality. The Bible is precious (2 Peter 1:4). It’s profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). And it’s perfect (Psalm 19:7). Whether it’s popular or not, I encourage you to read your Bible. Don’t read it just for the sake of our country, but more importantly, read it for your own sake. I urge you to study th Word of God and apply it to your life.
I started out this article by saying I love our country, and I do. More significantly, though, I love my Bible. I love my Bible because it reveals the key to heavenly citizenship. Even though I’m a sinner, I’ve been adopted into the family of God and, if you’re not already, you can be as well.
I encourage you to fall in love with your Bible. When you do, you’ll fall in love with God. And in this precious, profitable, and perfect book, you’ll find lasting strength for your life.
The above article was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. He is the pastor of NorthStone Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL. To offer him your feedback, comment below or email us at strengthforlife461@gmail.com.
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