Living As Christian American Patriots This July Forth
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." EPHESIANS 6:11
As citizens of the United States, we annually observe Independence Day, a celebration of our national freedom and independence. Yet, as Christian American Patriots, we must concurrently understand the importance of another kind of dependence—a prayerful dependence on God. It is through this dependence, accentuated by fervent prayer, that we remain strong and resolute in the face of spiritual battles. When we pledge allegiance to our flag, we are not just committing to a nation; we are also dedicating ourselves to the values it represents—one nation, under God.
The pledge to these values, as Christian Patriots, is more than a mere tradition. It's a lifeline to our spiritual fortitude and resilience, a backbone that sustains us through the inevitable spiritual warfare we face. Our nation, founded on principles of faith, beckons us to uphold this prayerful dependence on God.
Prayer—constant, fervent prayer—allows us to discern God's will amidst the noise and confusion of worldly distractions. It connects us directly with our Creator, opening up a conduit through which we can receive divine guidance. In the bible, James 1:5 offers assurance: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." It is through this humble act of asking—praying—that we receive wisdom and understanding to navigate our spiritual battles.
Moreover, prayer equips us with the divine protection needed to withstand the onslaughts of spiritual warfare. Scripture in Ephesians 6:11 encourages us to, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." The protective armor of God is fortified through prayer, ensuring we are not left defenseless against spiritual attacks. As we invoke God's name in prayer, we activate His divine protection, transforming ourselves from mere combatants to conquerors in the spiritual realm.
The essence of prayer, however, transcends beyond discernment and protection; it becomes the wellspring of our strength. We are reminded in Isaiah 40:29, "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." As we continue in prayerful dependence, we don't merely receive a one-time infusion of strength; instead, we tap into an enduring source of divine power that equips us to persevere through spiritual warfare.
Living in prayerful dependence is not a call to weakness but rather a call to spiritual strength and resilience. As Christian American Patriots, it is our duty to recognize our limitations and acknowledge the limitless power of God. This humble acknowledgment does not diminish our patriotism; instead, it magnifies it as we intertwine our national allegiance with a deep-seated commitment to our faith.
In conclusion, the backbone of our spiritual warfare as Christian American Patriots is prayerful dependence on God. It is through prayer that we discern God's will, seek His protection, and receive the strength needed to fight spiritual battles. As we pledge allegiance to the flag and the values it represents, let us also pledge to live a life of prayerful dependence, turning every spiritual battle into a victory for God's glory.