America: A Christian nation?

This has taken me quite a bit to write and I finally had a chance to put some more thought to it this weekend. I will admit it is far from a perfect article and will not win any great rewards by I think it begins to capture my feelings on something I see all to often. Coming from someone who works in a municipal service position, I feel that government is often misunderstood and resented because decisions can't always be understood from the headlines and the stores that are told aren't always based on full truth. I plan to get back into at least a weekly rhythm once again. Thank you all for reading and I hope it is something that at least gets us thinking about the perspectives that we hold.

What makes America a Christian nation?... A) Laws, B) Culture, C) Majority, or D) None of the Above?

I often hear that, "America was a Christian nation" and that for us to once again be a "great" nation that we need our political leaders to get back to the roots of our Christian heritage. This concept of political straying is often the argument for the cause of economic collapse and the ongoing recession that we have seen. A lack of "Faith," meaning a lack of effort by Christian believers primarily, has been blamed as a contributing cause of our country's moral, financial, intellectual, and social status in the world. People blame everything from political corruption, corporate corruption, media bias, and cultural shifts as the cause for our current state of being.

But before we examine what makes America a Christian nation we must first address the idea that we face greater challenges as Christians in America than we have in the past. Let me first point out that in my lifetime, I do not recall a pastor imprisoned for a message that would be deemed controversial or counter to the current culture. Pastors that have used less than tactful approaches to making a point or even offensive means to challenge non-believers, have been given the freedom to make those statements or use those approaches without fear of governmental intervention or imprisonment. However, in the early years of our former-colonial country, pastors were imprisoned, intimidated, and prohibited from preaching without a license or for preaching beliefs contrary to a particular church's teachings. We experience far greater freedoms, amazingly diverse and effective set of communication tools, and a wealth of financial and social opportunity, and yet we continue to see churches struggle or close due to a lack of membership and resources. Our faith communities continue to rest on the freedom and blessings provided by our location of birth and not in the power of the giver of life.

I also think we need to consider what a broader perspective of America thinks of itself and its future. A recent Gallup poll showed that 69% of Americans viewed the current and future moral outlook for America as negative. They also asked respondents to cite reasons why the thought American's morality was on the decline. According to the report:

Americans are most likely to cite a lack of respect or tolerance for other people as the most important problem with moral values. Other frequent responses include the decline of family structure, a lack of religion and faith, and a lack of morals in general.

Two thirds of Americans think that our moral outlook is grim and the top reason cited was a lack of respect. The other two reasons often relate to the source for that type of respect and the development of our moral compass: the family and the church.

For us to be a truly Christian nation once again we must stop blaming the news media, Hollywood, NY fashion, YouTube, and the other assorted vehicles of cultural expression. I see too often that we give lip service of our expectations of non-believers and then turn around and blame them for our demise. At one time in my life I encouraged to hear, "We can't expect them to act saved if they aren't saved," because it expressed an understanding that blaming "the lost" for the lack of their "lostness" was completely appropriate. However, those same people who say "forgive them for they know not what they do," would turn around and blame the unbeliever for the current state of our country.  "We are in this (Insert: recession, war, scandal, discouraging state) because of (Insert: any group of stereotyped unbeliever)."

I believe there is another reason that we are in the perceived state of moral decay that we are in. I do believe we are in the current state we are in is because we are losing ground as Christians. We are not losing ground legally, culturally, or politically. We are losing ground spiritually. We, as many other corporations and organizations, have become victims of our own success. As Jim Collin's writes in his corporate leadership book, Good to Great, "Good is the enemy of great." I believe he states appropriately that we don't have greatness because we have goodness. We don't have great outreach ministries because we have good ones. We don't have great missionary efforts because we have had good efforts at global missions. We don't have great youth ministries because we have had good youth groups. We don't have great revivals because we have good Christians.

No where in the bible are we told to legislate biblical values. Now before you take offence to that follow this thought. Our first and foremost responsibility is to whom? God. 

6 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:² That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.³ Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:⁵ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.⁶ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:⁷ And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.⁸ And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.⁹ And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.¹⁰ And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,¹¹ And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;¹² Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.¹³ Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.  (Note: emphasis added)

This stands as one of the greatest summary promises between God and Israel that sets them apart from the other religious groups of their day. The belief of a single God that does not demand obedience out of duty but individual obedience out of love (vs 4-7). This new view of God, one of desire rather than duty, was promised to transform and bless them in providential ways beyond their own strength and ability (vs 10-12). Our responsibility is to live a true an genuine life that shows a love for God that is beyond hypocrisy or challenge. I know that this is a difficult proposition, especially in my own life. But the challenge does not preclude us from leading in our life for God. We must be living to fulfill our duteous desire show our love to God before we can even expect others around us to even take notice.

Our society is not in the state is in because of the legislation of our government but because of the condition of our hearts. Legislation, legislators, and bureaucrats will change over time, as will society. These are neither better or worse because I can assure you that in Paul's day they believed the "last days" list of activities (2 Tim 3:1) applied just as much as it does today. I believe that too often we waste our energy fighting in political battles against legislation that does not maintain our Christian values rather than fighting spiritual battles to save the souls of those developing the legislation or even the common voter. 

¹¹ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; ¹² Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. ¹³ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; ¹⁴ Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. ¹⁵ For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: ¹⁶ As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. ¹⁷ Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

We have been called to be "honest," to lawfully "Submit...to every ordinance of man," to "well doing," to be "free...servants," to "honor all men," "love the brotherhood," "fear God," and "honor the king." This passage should truly describe our public and political life. We should strive to be above reproach, honest about our faults, working to improve them, humble in our politics, and respectful in our disagreements.

I can honestly say I despise campaign seasons, Presidential and Senatorial especially. The constant negativity and positioning, the pride and boasting, the divergently similar ideas, the extreme show boaters lacking wisdom, the financial underpinnings and deceptive manipulation of facts. I avoid media during these times, while I do value the American freedoms we have, I am embarrassed by the way in which we choose to maintain those freedoms. I would also embarrassed to be called a Christian nation and have almost any of the candidates represent our country to there nations after some of these campaigns. I want a leader who is able to understand, grow, learn, lead, guide, adapt, listen, and improve. The candidate who is a stalwart against change, who will not "compromise" or waiver, is one who is not ready to lead a country in one of the most complex jobs in the country. Where are our Christian politicians that understand government and leadership? ....The youngest president ever, McBride in 2016...maybe?

(now back from the rabbit trail...)

I ultimately believe that we, Christians today, need to stop blaming the politicians, teachers, psychologist, scientist, presidents, bureaucrats, social workers, professors, liberals, and any other group in our modern society for the state of our society. The real reason for the state of our society is ourselves. We must take the blame and change our course to address it. Our lack of Christian leadership and "well doing" is reflected of our society's state of morality. Now, more than ever, Christians need to step up and be real, be honest, and be serving. We must do a better and reaching souls for Christ. This was the cause of the Christian decline of Europe and will be ours as well if we do not change our political conversation and start having a spiritual one. Only then, might we be a truly Christian nation.

Love Thy Neighbor as...Mr. Stokes

Sgt. Harmon F. Stokes , 83

Harmon F. Stokes, 83, passed from this life suddenly last Wednesday in his home and was laid to rest surrounded by his friends and family today. Harmon was a Sargent in the US Army, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and retiring with 45 years of military and civil service.


If that was the end of the story, most people would generally say something like, "how sad, I'm so sorry," "he lived a full life," or "he is at rest now." These would all be true but they don't represent the greater story. I can only share the special stories that I know and the memories of his character I heard echoed in today's service. This story also captures a glimpse of why I am a public servant and why I answered a calling to "do good stuff," as the late Mike Canty used to describe it.


My first memories of Mr. Stokes go back about 12 years, to the first neighborhood I ever worked in - historic Aberdeen Gardens. I was 21 years old and was just learning about youth leadership development and community organizing. I hadn't organized a group in my life and in Aberdeen I was responsible for leading the youth initiatives for this prominent and established community. I was taking this role over from someone else without any training or transition. I was even a bit apprehensive concerning my welcome into this group I knew little about. I realize now that I was also facing my own fears regarding my cultural, generational, and social perspectives. Despite these internal struggles of an introverted organizer, one warm smile and a firm handshake wiped them far away, that of Mr. Stokes.

Historic Aberdeen Gardens in Hampton, Virginia

I still remember how I'd call on him to open up the Aberdeen Museum for me, a restored home in the neighborhood that served as a central meeting place for the 5 youth that participated in the youth group. Mr. Stokes was always there with a smile to open up the building. The youth group wouldn't be me greatest success thus far in my career and I remember on more than one occasion being the only one at the museum. Then along came Mr. Stokes, waiting there with me, taking time out of his day to check in on me, learning about my family, college classes i was taking, and just doing what he could to make feel apart of the community. At every Aberdeen breakfast or event I always looked for Mr. Stokes, because his smiling welcome always made me feel like I belonged in Aberdeen. The last time I talked to Mr. Stokes he asked, as he always did, how my "lovely wife" and "those little ones" were doing.


From those first years in Aberdeen, my heart was bound to that special community in a unique way. I saw something in Mr. Stokes and the many other Aberdeeners I have come to know and love. I learned that your neighbor is more than the resident in the house that is next to your, the one that just lives near you. A truly good neighbor is one that is "near." They near enough to ask about your day, near enough to lend a hand, near enough to cheer you up with a "hello," near enough to look out for you, near enough to make you feel at home, and near enough mourn and lift you up when things are tough.

The Aberdeen Gardens Museum, Mary Peake Blvd

Mr. Stokes had the special ability to make you feel like the most important person to him at that time. He knew how to give, and he knew how to serve. His strong and protective nature made you feel honored to have him on your side. I can unashamedly say they he is on a short list of reasons why I continue in public service. After struggling with some random bureaucratic challenge, all I had to do was to get a call or visit from Mr. Stokes, and I would remember instantly why I chose this field - to help good people like him, "do good stuff."


The faith and love of Christ from Mr. Stokes doesn't make this day bitter in the least, because I know I will see my brother in Christ from Aberdeen one day soon. Yes, it is a bit sad that others won't be able to be blessed by such an example as Mr. Stokes. I do know he lived a much fuller life than I will ever have a chance to ask him about. I also know that he is walking the streets of heaven with his dear wife and I can only hope that I have home in heaven with Mr. Stokes as my neighbor. Until then, may I be the neighbor to others that he was to me. Even though we lived miles apart he was always be my good neighbor.

Honor, Fear, Love: Keys to Christian Citizenship

It has been a while since I've posted due to a plethora of reasons that range from family, work and church activity and commitments. I was inspired to write today because of a passage that has grabbed my attention. But first let me share a little context for my study.

In a Sunday School class that I teach of young single adults, the other teacher and I developed a series called "Intentional Living." We are focusing on practical application of biblical principles on issues that closely impact singles and young adults.  We are covering topics such as "Singleness of mind & heart,"  "Right giving, Right Living,"  "The Family: Love, Submit & Obey," "The 5 Love Languages," "Outreach & Evangelism," "Church Body Building," and "Healthy body, Healthy soul." Rather than the traditional alternating teacher lecture style with just the same two teachers, we have elicited help from several experienced leaders in the church to share a 20 minute study (straight and to the key points) and lead a 20 minute discussion on the topic.

The format and the topics aren't ground breaking but the secondary impacts have been greater than expected - attendance is more consistent, students have conversations with leaders outside of class, current leaders are now more connected to the future leaders in the congregation.

So back to where I start this post. I have been tapped to teach a "Truth, Justice and the Christian Way" mini series on civic responsibility and social justice. I was studying the following passage and the last verse has sat with me constantly in the past few months:

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

" Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King." Four simple rules to live by as Christians. Even more importantly in today's climate, four principles to govern by. Here is my quick summary of these 4 simple rules, please share you comments:

• Honour All Men. We must remember the humanity of a man/woman and not just his/her profession  or stature in society. Do we respect and treat a millionaire CEO the same way we respect the homeless person we pass on a busy street. We must remember that each is a lost soul in need of Christ. No one comes from a high position in life because we are all humbled by our guilty sin.
  
  
• Love the Brotherhood. There is a unique bond between Christians that we should crave more of and cherish. This isn't a bond with the church but a bond with the brother/sisters in Christ. Our "allegiance" is to Christ and his joint-heirs not the organizations, institutions or structures we create. The brotherhood is about relationships, people to people, and great value should be given to these relationships in our lives.
  
  
• Fear God. The core of our life and world view should be a fearful respect for God. This is our guiding instruction that sets the standard for all of actions. We develop this fear from study of his word and spending time with him in prayer.
  
  
• Honour the King. The king represents the civic government that is in authority. As Peter writes in verse 13, we are to submit to the "king's" authority and ordinance that our just living will be an example to the lost and foolish. We cannot expect to follow the holy instruction of God if we are unable to follow the simple instruction of earthly kings. But as Psalms 118:8 says,  "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." Honour but don't expect the prince or the king to provide the needs that only the Lord can provide through faith.

Just a few thoughts as I study the topic. I hope to bring more on a subject that I find fascinating and timely. Please let me know your thoughts on the subject, other reference materials, or your studies on the subject. Have a blessed week!