Today, the United States of America celebrates its independence from Great Britain. Two hundred forty years ago they ratified their Declaration of Independence. They paid a heavy price (war) to break free from English rule. This wasn’t easy and took many human casualties to win against their mighty opponent. Their relentless pursuit of freedom secured the victory.

I’m grateful to live in the United States of America. My entire life this country has allowed me to make personal choices with little government interference. I know other countries don’t rule the same way, and this shows me how fortunate I am to live in a nation with good intentions. Even though the USA has problems, it still attracts people to its borders.

I try to avoid discussing what’s wrong with our nation, but many of my family and friends ask me my views. So, I took this opportunity to share them with you.

The founding fathers of the USA incorporated a set of Christian standards as the way to rule their citizens. Their faith in God helped shape the way this country conducted themselves. They wanted to show their citizens a new and improved government where expressing spiritual beliefs matter.

It’s sad but over time the U.S. moved away from acknowledging God to a nation anchored in secularism. This subtle shift started when they overtook the Native Americans (Indians) and stripped them their freedom. Civil war, capitalism, mistreatment of citizens (African Americans) and liberalism give evidence to the spiritual decline it shows, and a nation centered in ungodliness.

In Biblical times we see how God treated nations who reject His rule. The  Old Testament gives excellent examples of God’s justice. Many ancient empires came into contact with God’s wrath. Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia and Persia couldn’t defeat God and experienced His mighty power (Psalm 9:17). And now the U.S.A. is showing God the same rejection.

God’s enemy is cunning and uses leaders to help separate people from Christ. Unbelievers are blinded to the devil ways because they live in spiritual darkness and believe government can solve cultural problems. Their deception keeps them from knowing God. This outlook is shallow since it blocks them from understanding Christ solves humanity’s problems.

The United States has forgotten their roots. Abortion (murder), same-sex marriages and transgender behavior are accepted and glorified. Racial hatred, incarceration of innocent people and poverty continue to make national headlines reminding us the ungodliness this nation has become. These are the facts and no matter how much someone denies them the truth stays the same. No country can change without God.

Don’t misunderstand me. God uses this nation to do well, and I’m grateful to notice the kind acts it shows. But my salvation isn’t contingent on governments. I must stand firm on my faith and live according to Christ’s will or face spiritual death. This means sharing my faith and help spread the Gospel. Every time I live in God’s purpose, the rewards are remarkable. Christ is amazing!