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Another Independence Day has come and gone. I’m proud to be an American even though many seem to be bent on destroying this country. Many spilled their life’s blood for our freedoms. I only wish those who take our precious freedoms lightly would realize the harm they are doing by failing to respect and honor not only the laws of our country, but the God who gives us order.

At my house the breeze is blowing gently, and I believe I can almost see the grass growing. I keep running the geese down to the water’s edge, and they keep coming back for a tasty morsel. When I look at the beauty and order of the natural world I see the way God intended this earth and humankind to live.

Who is behind all the turmoil and violence in our world? We could probably dig deep enough to get a name or an organization, but the truth of the matter is it’s the enemy of our souls. If we want to be able to have a great and strong America for future generations then it’s time to take decisive action. Do I mean rioting in the streets against the ones we hold responsible? I think not.

Sometimes the most decisive and strongest action we can take is to continue on a path of peace. Sometimes we need to look hate in the eye and walk on by. Sometimes we need to lead by example without many words. The time is now, people. If America is to stand for future generations the church must rise up and be the church. We must open our arms to the lost and needy. We must bind the wounds of the hurting and scarred.

America doesn’t need another social program; it needs Jesus in the flesh. Christians know that our job is to be the hands and feet of Jesus reaching out in love to a lost and dying world. I’ve been a Christian since I was a little girl, and I am absolutely certain that America is not battling people within her walls. The battle is a spiritual one, and can only be won by the Church.

I know what that looks like for me, but each Christian must search their own heart and the Word of God and put on God’s armor. For those who aren’t familiar with what I’m talking about the Bible says when His people will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways He will hear from heaven and heal their land. The Bible teaches that by walking with God and loving even the unlovely we are true followers of His message.

In troubled times we need to get back to the basics of loving, and serving. It is not up to the unbelievers to somehow get a revelation of the way to live. It is our job to walk in such a way that others will see our peace and yearn for it.

Jan Penton Miller can be reached at lilsisjan@yahoo.com.