by Dr. Paul Chappell

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."

Philippians 1:9-10

When looking at America, we cannot note her greatness without noting her weakness.

Today is a day of remembrance. But not all remembrance is the same for each person. Some remember the heroic battles of the Revolutionary War. The brave farmers, merchants, pioneers, and blacksmiths who thought less of their own preservation and looked to the preservation of the rights of all men. Men who battled cold, sickness, disease, and hardships along with enemies. Men who suffered at the hand of a stately king. Men who said "Enough!" and created for themselves a new land, free for people who would grace its borders. Men who formed the land we lovingly call America.

Others look back and think of the progress America has made. From the early days of slave labor to the present accomplishments of the multiple ethnicities in this land. From the early days at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to the present million-dollar aircraft flying high overhead. From the early days of medicine and disease to the present advanced research and cures being made. From the early days of technology to the present limitlessness of the digital world. America has progressed and advanced far beyond what the Founding Fathers could have imagined for this land.

But some people look at America through the lenses of reality and see not only the good, but the bad corrupting this land of freedom. They see violence in crime and unlawful activity. They see the innocent struck by disease and debilitation. They see the advances in technology used for evil and harm. They see the dark side of the human heart, and weep at the degradation of this land.

Many would claim to seek a way to better the land we call home. Many would point to charitable work, social agendas, or benevolent giving as ways of turning the tide of corruption. Some would point to political leaders and government systems as a solution to the degradation. But, as God's people, when we look at America, we must examine ourselves and pray for revival.

In order to preserve this great land, we must take the advice of Philippians 1:9-10 and daily live out its words, "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ."

America will not be preserved by new laws, more advancements, greater technology, or more sincere government leaders. America will be preserved by people, godly people, who study God's Word and live out the principles God has given us.

Daily we must abound in love toward our fellow man. Daily we must increase knowledge and judgment through study of God's Word. Daily we must choose things that are excellent and God-honoring. And daily we must ask for God's hand of grace and blessing. Only as we are seeking to pattern our lives after Christ's life, and look to God for guidance can we hope to preserve the great land that God has given us.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Job 28-29 | Acts 13:1-25