Would I be a Christian if I were born in America at a different time or if I were born in an entirely different country?
The United States of America has predominately been a Christian nation. If a baby is born in the United States, they are most likely going to be raised in a Christian home, attend a Christian church, see Christian symbols throughout the day, and interact with other Christians. I was born in 1976, and for me, this was normal. I am thankful that I was born in a Christian nation in the 1970s. However, I fear the way and the speed at which our nation is changing.
Other parts of the world have been less kind to Christians. According to Open Doors, some Christians face harassment and discrimination. Some even face torture and death. While the true number is unknown, some speculate there are between 1200 and 100,000 martyrs each year. Today in America, it is unpopular to be Christian. The majority of the day is a mixed narrative of crucifix necklaces and sinful messages penetrating our minds.
The Bible has many stories of countries or nations that were sinful and are no longer physical locations. Genesis 6 speaks to “how great the great wickedness of the human race had become” and how he would start over with Noah and his family. I wonder if we are in a similar state of affairs in the world today. Has sin become so prevalent that there is no hope? The good news is that God gave us the rainbow as a reminder that he would not flood the earth again. Have you noticed an overabundance of rainbows this year? I’ve even seen double rainbows. When I see the beautiful and majestic rainbow, I assume it is a sign from God that we need to get our act straight. He is saying that he will not flood the earth again, but I do believe he is an angry God that will punish us for our sins if we do not repent.
The Bible also speaks to the sinful aspect of pride and those involved with building the Tower of Babel in the land of Shinar (Babylonia). Genesis 11 details how “the whole world had one language and a common speech.” This commonality gave them the power to collaborate on such a project to build a city “with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves.” We should always put God first in our daily life. This includes putting Him first in our work. We should not work to become rich or powerful but should work to honor and glorify God.
Genesis 19 describes Sodom and Gomorrah and the sins of that nation. These two cities were guilty of being inhospitable to visitors. They were also guilty of gross wickedness, the intent to rape angels, and homosexuality. Koukl (2013), with Stand to Reason, exegeted the passage to understand more about the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah and explained that “homosexuality was the principle behavior at issue in that passage.” Sexual sins are rampant in the United States today. I wonder if this country is as bad as Sodom and Gomorrah were, and if so, what the penalty for the sin will be. Warnings were told to the residents that God was going to destroy the city. Most residents laughed, but one family heeded the warning. Lot, his wife, and their two daughters fled; however, Lot’s wife turned and looked back at the destruction, and she perished for disobeying the Lord. The entire nations of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with sulfur and fire, except for Lot and his two daughters. I often wonder if God is sending us signs today that we are not paying attention to.
Christianity in America looks different today than it did in prior generations. I wonder what the children born today will face in their lifetime and if there is any hope of the current and future generations escaping God’s wrath for the sins of our country.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
I am so thankful that I was born in a Christian nation and that I know my forever home is in heaven. As Christians, we are citizens of heaven. We are not of this world. The earthly home is temporary, but the eternal home is where we will stay forever. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9, 5:10; John 3:3, 18:36-37; Philippians 3:20; Titus 3:7 for more confirmation of Christian citizenship.
This month we are counting our blessings and positioning our attitude toward gratitude. How are you thankful for living in a predominantly Christian nation with the hope of spending eternity in heaven?
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