| Good Morning Everyone, Our theme for this month: “Change can be good for you” Our Bible verse for today: “Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (CSB) Our thought for today: “America is great because America is good” The famous quote “America is great because America is good” is usually attributed to the French diplomat, political scientist, and historian Alexis de Tocqueville. The story goes that during his travels around the USA in the 1830s, he searched to understand the source of America’s greatness. He said he found no evidence that the greatness came from our abundant natural resources, or from our unique political system, or from our free market economy. He said it wasn’t until he visited America’s churches, and he heard powerful sermons about Biblical principles, that he discovered the source of our greatness. He said that America is great because America is good, and he meant good with a Godly goodness. Historians debate whether or not de Tocqueville actually made that statement, but I don’t think it really matters much who said it first, it’s true none-the-less. America is a profoundly good country. Flawed in many ways, yes, but still very, very good. Americans are the kindest, most compassionate, and most generous people in the world. No nation gives as much or does as much for the benefit of others as does the USA. This is the evidence of our true greatness. It’s during times of disaster and tragedy that that greatness really shows itself. We frequently respond in other parts of the world to natural disasters, famines, or wars of oppression. In our own country it’s often tornadoes, floods, or even viral pandemics. Americans can be counted on to rise to the occasion to bring help and relief to others who are hurting, struggling, or being oppressed. We’re at our greatest during the times of greatest need. That’s especially evident right now during this COVID 19 pandemic. While we remain divided as a nation because of our different political and social views, we’re united in our efforts to help each other get through this. The examples of kindness, compassion, care, and concern are too numerous to mention. They’re all around us – people taking care of people. As we continue to consider in these daily devotionals some good things that can come out of this crisis for our nation, it’s my prayer that this time in our history will reinforce our commitment to taking care of each other. I hope and pray that in that way at least, this crisis will help to foster and strengthen a renewed sense of bonding and unity as we work together to get ourselves, our neighbors, and our nation through this disastrous time. It really is true that America is great because America is good. America is good in some deeply profound ways – the most important of which is that we help those in need. I think we should all be proud of that. God Bless, Pastor Jim |
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