Jul 1, 2011 4 min read

Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. Text: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Should Christians celebrate secular holidays such as Independence Day or Labor Day? Whatever your answer is, your views are respected. Jesus prayed to his father concerning his disciples in this way: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:15) Considering this prayer, my humble opinion is we live, work and serve in the world, therefore, we cannot dissociate ourselves from all that are around us. Also, if we believe that God is the heavenly Father not only of the people but also the Lord of history (some may question this), we have some obligation toward the world and country where we and our family exist. I feel there are some similarities or connections between these entities: individual; mankind, local; global, church; state, faith; allegiance, love; loyalty, kingdom of God; political boundaries and the Bible; Constitution.

To be independent means that a country is free of influence, control, oppression or dictatorship. Due to man’s sinful nature, the stronger countries like to take advantage of the smaller and weaker ones. Therefore, history is full of those striving for liberation and fighting for independence. Most of the countries have their respective heroes and leaders who helped to achieve independence. The United States had George Washington and South America had Simon Bolivar.

WHAT MAKES A COUNTRY OR NATION STRONG AND GREAT?

In addition to a fortunate geographical position or favorable historical circumstances there are at least three conditions that can make a country great:

MILITARY. A strong military has always played an important role enabling a leader to become a dictator and conqueror. Please think about Alexander the Great, 356-323 B.C.; Napoleon Bonaparte, 1769-1821; Adolf Hitler, 1889-1945 and Joseph Stalin, 1879-1953.

ECONOMY. Some basic requirements for a strong economy are abundant raw materials, available energy, efficient production and a good administration. With modern technology the assembly line production is wonderful because a great volume can be produced quickly and rather inexpensively.

SCIENCE. Without research and development (R & D) it is hard to keep up with the competition and make our products marketable. What sells the best? What is new and much better than the previous design? Why do we like to buy the latest automobile model?

SOME OTHER REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE NOT TANGIBLE OR VISIBLE BUT ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT?

PATRIOTISM. What comes to our mind first is allegiance. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the Unites States of America, and to the republic for which it stands …” Is the United States of America OUR COUNTRY, that is his, hers, yours and mine, or does it just belong to OTHERS? Remember, the citizens have both: privileges (rights) and obligations (duties).

DEDICATION and INVOLVEMENT. While technology helps in mass production, quality itself comes from dedicated people. If people do not strive to give their best and if they are satisfied with mediocrity, (doing only as little and as fast as possible) we will lose our leading position. That extra mile the Bible speaks about in Matthew 5:41, namely going “above and beyond of call of duty,” is what can make us number one. When a person works not only for the paycheck but also for the pride involved in quality and excellence, we will be on top.

THE SENSE OF A COMMON GOAL AND TOGETHERNESS. We could have different ethnic backgrounds, languages, cultures, political views, educations and religions, yet we are citizens of the SAME COUNTRY. We are in the same boat and if someone scuttles this boat for any reason all of us in this vessel will go down. It is easier to divide than to unite, it is easier to agitate people than to calm them down and it is easier to find excuses to stop than to cooperate and keep on going. (When the going gets tough, the tough get going.)

I think you would agree with King David who wrote, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 33:12.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.