Building People. Spreading Hope.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

What Makes a Great Nation?

Fourth of July prompted me to think about what made America a great nation and what will it take for us to keep it that way. Let’s look at some principles upon which America was built and what she must continue to uphold if we are to keep experiencing the blessing of God. This is not only a study on America; it is a catalyst for any country that wants to be great on the earth and in the eyes of God.

Biblical principles. America is the only country in the world that was established on the fundamental belief in God’s Word. It was not only founded on the belief that all men and women are created equal, but also with the desire that God’s values and principles should be taught and upheld. Proverbs 12:28 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation.” This means no matter how a country got its start, when its people embrace God’s ordinances, they will be great. This is what happened to Singapore and South Korea. Both nations were idol worshipping countries devastated by war. But they rebuilt their country on God’s principles. Now Christians comprise 30-40% of the population in these countries, and among the most prosperous in the region. Many researchers believe China’s rise as an economic powerhouse is a result of 130 million Christians in innumerable house churches.

Education. We may breathe until we are eighty or ninety years old but we stop living when we stop learning. A great country not only has an outstanding education system but it must also promote learning at every level of society and life. Creating opportunities for affordable education (without causing debt) and providing quality education will keep a country on the cutting edge. Innovation, invention, and creativity should be rewarded. Excellence should be distinguished from the average.

Business and trade. We know governments spend money, but business and trade make money. Yet we are often burdened by bureaucracy and red tape that quenches the spirit of enterprise and trade. For many years I lived in Hong Kong. It is a great place to do business and many global companies have a presence there. One reason Hong Kong is such a great place for business is that a person can apply for a business license one morning and start doing business the next! Ecclesiastes 10:19 says, “Money answers everything.” While we know this is only a partial statement, it is true that in this world, money often equates to power. If we want to become a powerful economic force, we must create an environment of business, entrepreneurship, and trade without burdening citizens with taxes, and deal with those who are greedy for gain.

Productivity. When men become lovers of pleasure and are not willing to work hard, a nation is doomed for destruction. Productivity does not necessarily mean we have to slave away our lives. In my recent trip to Germany, I was told that all businesses are closed on Sunday, but it is still the strongest economy in Europe. When we honor God with our time, He will help us achieve more in less time. Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent will rule but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” When our nation owes trillions of dollars in foreign trade it shows we are consuming more than we are producing. We should engage our work force and become self-sufficient (in agriculture, energy, economy, etc.)

Justice. No country can prosper without a fair judicial system. Only God does not judge a man until the end of his days – for everybody else, there should be justice on earth. When our judgment is polluted by bribes, lobbyists, and corruption, we shoot ourselves in the foot. Before we point a finger at the world, we must look within ourselves. Justice begins at home.

Responsibility. While it is essential for a civil society to uphold the rights of the people, it is more important to teach responsibility to our fellow citizens. President John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural speech, "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." This statement is a far cry from today’s reality when we are obsessed with our rights more than our duty and responsibility to build a great nation.

Sin and humility. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” Sin is a universal problem. As long as there are people, there will be sin. There is nothing wrong when we sin, but there is nothing right living in sin. Sinfulness is a fallen nature of humanity. The only way to deal with it is to do what is prescribed in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “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.”

Benevolence and charity. No man can out give God and His people. When the poor and needy are taken care of, the city rejoices. For a country to prosper, we must help the less fortunate. But it is not productive to reward laziness, dependency, and an entitlement mentality. Charity is a choice, out of willing and compassionate hearts; it should not be coerced.

Israel. One of the easiest ways to get ahead in life is to bless Israel. Do not ask me why, but it was God’s sovereign choice to pronounce this blessing in Genesis 12:1-3. God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you (Israel).” The fast track to greatness for a country is found in blessing Israel and becoming its ally.

World Missions. For centuries, it has been proven and documented that when a nation is involved in world missions, it is blessed by God. Norway and New Zealand are two of the smallest countries in the world, but they are also among the greatest missionary sending nations in the world. If you have been to these countries, you know how beautiful they are! If we as Christians want to live peaceful, productive, and prosperous lives, we must think beyond ourselves and invest every resource available to reach our world. If we transmit the beacon of Hope through the Gospel, we will not have to spend billions of dollars trying to combat terrorism. When people find Hope in Christ, they will find purpose to live and make themselves great.

To build a great nation it all comes down to taking individual responsibility. The state of a country is measured by collective individuality. What we do individually will not only affect us now but it will impact our children and generations to come. God bless America.

Happy Independence Day!


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