The Watchman's Diary

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 ESV)

What comes to your mind when you hear the words “American Exceptionalism”?

I admit, to me, the these words, when used by today’s politicians, echo a sense of pride; a destructive kind of pride neatly disguised to represent patriotism. Hey, I could be wrong and that’s ok with me! Actually, I pray that I am wrong. There is no doubt that God has had His hands on America and has blessed this nation tremendously but as we continue to stray from His word, so does our recognition of this blessing. When I hear people talk about American Exceptionalism their words seem to point inward. They seem to be saying, “Look at what I have done,” or “Look at what we have done,” with absolutely no acknowledgement of God. Not everyone is guilty of this and I am not trying to paint everyone with a broad brush but I also do not hear words of caution coming from anyone. Take care, lest we commit the sins of Nebuchadnezzar!

Christians are too often dividing the body of Christ into political factions and labeling each other as such. Isn’t it enough that we have an enemy and a world that tries to divide us? Isn’t it enough that we are already splintered into denominations? No political party is above God! The danger in taking sides is that we run the risk for going against God’s plan. Of course we should speak out against those things which goes against the word of God but do so with consistency and impartiality.

I think too many pulpits have become platforms for political campaign and little accountability for the party they support. In such a time as this — when someone goes on television to raise money on the basis they he is “not afraid to in burn in hell” — we christians need to find ways to come together and declare the free gift of grace. When will we pause and recognize God’s hand in everything before we take to the airways or dismiss our brothers and sisters in the pews? We should speak out against sin across the board not just the party we vote against. The fate of America is not hinged on any one individual as much as it is on the entire population. After all, politicians often respond to what people (those they represent) ask for, especially those with bigger voices and sometimes deeper pockets.

So, are we exceptional in that there is no sin imputed to us and are we free from the fallen condition of man? Absolutely not! In fact, even the exceptional freedoms we often boast about are being eroded as those who seek freedom from religion are consistently trying to trap us behind the walls of the church and our homes. How long do you think it will be before they try to tare the crosses off our churches and from around our necks? How exceptional will we feel then? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves; pause, pray, and give glory to God for the blessings we have enjoyed. Let us come together as one body in Christ Jesus and follow His example. Let us be exceptional in our heavenly identity not our national and political identity.

Thus says the LORD, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV).