Our Country!

In our country, with a sense of pride (and even downright arrogance at times), some people state they will do or say certain things simply because this is America and they are Americans. It is true we have great freedom to express ourselves in so many ways (speech, action, art, music, etc.). However, there may be times we observe some of what takes place and wonder, “What were they THINKING?”

Is our intellect rooted in the “freedom” to THINK or in the “substance” of what can be THOUGHT? Just because someone says something is true does not necessarily make it so. That includes Bible teachers. (i.e. Acts 17:11) We are not to check our brain at the door when we enter a church building to hear the teaching and preaching. Though I diligently strive to be true to the message of God, even the “teEn-MAIL” is not to be viewed as the final word on any subject. Praise God He has given us His Word so that we can read it to be certain what we are being taught is true. Still, even as we accept the authority of God’s Word that does not mean we set our brain aside as we begin to read it either. We must always study the Bible with a consideration of the context of what we are reading, consider who is speaking and to whom, and how it relates to or fits with other passages of Scripture. God’s Word may not always agree with us, but it will always agree with itself!

The statement has been made, “I am a fellow citizen of all men who think. Truth; that is my country.” (Alphonse de Lamartine, “Marseillaise de la Paix”, 1841) [source: “A Treasury of Business Quotations”, #1574, p.145, compiled by Michael C. Thomsett © 1990]

Living in the truth is important. Are we constantly mindful of remaining within truth’s borders? Does truth mean enough to us that we will submit to its sovereignty?

Paul exhorted…
“(18) For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. (19) Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (20) BUT OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” ( Philippians 3:18-20 ESV)

In the “free-thinking” society in which we live here, many have become enemies of the truth! But what truly is our country? Though we may enjoy the rights of citizenship in the earthly country in which we live, do we live with an acknowledgment of the greater significance of being citizens of Heaven? It is the wisdom from above which we are to gain because that is the wisdom which is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” ( James 3:17 ESV) Do our THOUGHTS reflect the essence of such wisdom? If so, then we are fellow citizens with the truly greatest of THINKERS!

Have a great day DOING AND SAYING BECAUSE WE ARE CHRISTIANS!
Carl

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