I Corinthians 4:7 “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
This nation is remarkable and exceptional. Regardless of what some detractors may say about this City on a Hill, it has been a beacon of light in a world often characterized by darkness. Yet, I Corinthians 4:7 offers us two important intertwined warnings about nationalism and pride:
- What we have, we have received. The gift of liberty and prosperity in the form of the United States of America has been given to us by God and by a long line of faithful citizens. Some provided a vision; some provided a sacrifice; some provided innovation; some provided generosity; some provided community; some provided charity; some provided leadership; some provided service. Yet, all built upon a foundation and within a context only possible through the blessings of God. As our founders properly demonstrated, may we never forget that what we have, we have received.
- Because we have received what we have, we should be humble and not prideful. Our glory should be directed to God through humble thanksgiving. It is He that made us to differ from another. It is through His gifts that this land was made possible and made prosperous. The moment we take credit for this great land is the moment that we rob God of His rightful glory.
I am filled with pride in this great land, but such pride needs to be properly funneled towards the One who deserves the real credit. PLEASE PRAY THAT NATIONALISTIC AMERICAN PRIDE WOULD ONLY BE DIRECTED TOWARDS GOD HIMSELF. After all, He is our real Founding Father!
