Has AMERICA Become Your GOD?

10/27/2016

Has America Become Your God?

Written by: JJ Liniger

Edited by: Quinn Cameron

Dear Christians,

It’s undeniable that this election season has been unlike any other in America’s history. Let me start off by saying I LOVE AMERICA! I’m not the type of person who cries at commercials, Hallmark movies, sweet cards, or even when my kids first started school. But, there is one time each year that tears well in my eyes and want to spill down my cheeks. Every July 4th.

I love everything about celebrating America. In my home the music that plays for weeks before and after the holiday.  The neighborhood gathers to release fireworks and the spirit of unity. My heart feels full with every beat of “God Bless America,” and that’s exactly what I want. If we desire for God to really bless America, then it needs to be worthy of His blessing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuqUSJIFreI

2 Chronicles 7:14 says “ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Christians, whether we want to be or not, are held to a higher standard. We need to be humble, and we need to look to God to heal our hearts and country. Instead, I feel we are looking to political leaders. This election season, we have the privilege to choose our next President.

I voted for the first time in 2000. My candidate of choice was George W. Bush, and I couldn’t have been happier. I had a nominee with the same moral values as me. Someone who sought God first and the advice of those around him second. Love him or hate him, most agree President Bush loves America.

Can we pause and give a moment of silence for those 18-22 year olds who will be voting for the first time and don’t have a candidate they can fully support? So sorry! It’s normally not this bad!

Unfortunately, our options this time around are not so cut and dry. The popularity of Donald Trump blows my mind just as much as the hatred towards Hillary Clinton. Both are troublesome.

It breaks my heart to hear evangelical Christians, many whom I have respected all my life, defending this man. They say he’s bad, but she’s worse.  Trump is the lesser of the two evils. Since when has that been our standard?

Trump might be better for America, or he might not be, but since when has THAT been our standard? Like you, I’m worried about America and the possibility of losing many of our freedoms. But, even more so, I’m worried about what this election will do to our witness.

When a pastor who endorses Trump needs to admonish someone within their congregation for adultery or a porn addiction, will he be able to do so knowing he didn’t have that same standard for our President? In four years when we start this process again, who else might the GOP send our way?

Aligning yourself with Trump requires ignoring a slew of Biblical character references. Like I said before, we ARE held to a high standard. And, we as Christians need to demand better. It’s time we put God before America.

 

Always with Love,

JJ Liniger