Politics
Yes, Virginia, There’s a Deep State. In Fact, There Are Two.
Our local newspaper runs an annual editorial at Christmastime called “Yes, Virginia, There’s a Santa Claus.” Its point is that some things that are invisible can be true none-the-less.
Last November, when Donald Trump was elected president of the United States against all odds and poll numbers, I modified the headline to “Yes, Virginia, There is a God”–to again prove that things unseen can have a hand in events on earth.
Now it’s time to borrow the phrase once more:
Yes, Virginia, There is a Deep State. In Fact, There are Two. Read More
Is America First a Good Idea?
There’s a lot happening in the U.S. this week with the Neil Gorsuch hearing, the historic vote on repealing Obamacare, and the London terrorist attack.
I’ve been thinking for quite some time about Donald Trump’s theme of “America First.” Is it a right focus for a nation to pursue? Or is it selfish, narrow, or even arrogant in its perspective?
Is America First a good idea?
Ive been thinking and praying about America First since Donald Trump began using the phrase. The words were shared again quite powerfully this week at President Trump’s Louisville, Kentucky rally–and people cheered wildly.
My question is, “What does God think about this emphasis and wording? Where is it right and where is it wrong?”
I don’t profess to speak for God on this subject, but here’s my prayerful perspective.
NEGATIVES
When I first heard the term America First, I didn’t like it for the following reasons:
1. God should always be first in our lives.
We are to “Love God will all of our heart, soul, mind and strength,” the Great Commandment tells us. Tomorrow, in my regular Bible devotions, I will read Deuteronomy 5 where the Ten Commandments are found.
The first command is essentially God First. He alone is worthy of all that we are. Our worship and obedience stands primary. So, in the broadest sense, our love and commitment to America (or any other nation) should never come before our supreme devotion to God. If if comes down to choosing flag or Jesus, that’s a no-brainer.
Jesus wins every time.
In the book of Acts, when the early disciples were forced to choose between the Jewish State (Sanhedrin) or preaching the Good News about Jesus, they said quite plainly “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
God First must be the normal default when faced with a wide range of choices.
2. Self-centeredness, even in nations, can be destructive.
It’s true that God created nation-states, loves the various “tribes” or the earth, and enjoys their unique gifts and cultures. It’s also true that all nations and cultures are not equal–some are more godly and biblical than others. In that regard, America is an exceptional nation due to its faith, revivals, laws and freedoms.
But that does not give license for America to center on its own welfare or put itself above other nations. God wants nations to bless and serve other peoples–not to shrivel away due to self focus.
3. We must pray for and love all people.
The reason God blesses nations is so they can be a blessing to others. The United States has welcomed more immigrants and oppressed people, given more financial resources, fought more wars to end tyranny, and blessed the world with more missionaries and humanitarian assistance than any nation in history.
If America First means praying less or not loving all the peoples of the world, then it is setting our sights too low. It is failing to be “America.” Count me out if America loses its global vision to bless others.
4. We should guard against pride–an easily besetting sin for a powerful nation.
America First could also be construed in a prideful way. Nah-nah-nah-NAH-nah! We’re better than you and will take care of ourselves, thank you!
That’s a bad attitude for a blessed nation. Pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 11:2). I want no part in that interpretation of America First.
5. The Kingdom of God is the only “nation” that will last.
Though I believe we should love and appreciate our nations or tribes, we need to remember we are citizens of the Kingdom of God which is the only “nation” that will last forever.
Long after Babylon, Egypt, Germany, Canada, Liechtenstein (!) and China are gone, the Kingdom of God will reign as the only enduring “heavenly nation-state.” All other flags will be vanquished and all other loyalties will cease. Believers in God and His Christ are citizens of one ultimate nation.
Don’t forget your eternal address.
Now let’s look at the possible positive aspects of America First. I don’t believe it’s completely wrong if looked at in context and emphasis.
POSITIVES
1. It’s an important reversal of godless secularism (Globalization).
Donald Trump blew a prophetic trumpet that globalization was a nefarious trend leading o tyranny–quite possibly even a one world government. For decades, the elites of the world. fueled by European socialism and global trade, pointed us toward world governance.
That’s the goal of the United Nations. America not only pays half of the U.N.’s budget, but under the Obama administration, became the main cheerleader for globalism worldwide. Trump exposed this loss of American liberty and convinced enough people to put local sovereignty before global alliance.
In that sense, putting your country first is good. It slowed down the march of an evil world partnership.
2. Politicians have neglected working people (Economics).
One of Donald Trump’s insights was the realization that the political establishment in Washington, D.C. had stopped working for the common person. Through deficit spending, over-regulation, and global trade deals, the middle class was shrinking and the little guy sinking.
Trump won because he made it about the “Forgotten Man and Woman.” He was right. In that sense, the American people needed to reject the nanny state and global behemoth. When he committed to put them first (they are America), millions of people voted him to victory.
That included a promise to rebuild crumbling American infrastructure before re-building war-torn nations. Doesn’t a government have an obligation to build its own roads first before spending trillions of dollars overseas?
3. The first responsibility of government to protect its citizens (National Security).
Trump’s rise started with a strong stand on national borders and defeating Islamic jihad. “Build the Wall” resonated with the American people who not only watched illegal immigrants steal their jobs, but impacted their lives through spiraling crime.
The primary responsibility of government is to protect its people. Trump won the election because he sympathized with the security concerns of average Americans–not with terrorists and illegal immigrants. He rightly preached that the job of the American government was to put citizens ahead of foreigners.
4. The American heartland may be poised to bring renewal to America (Revival).
The 2016 election proved that secular-progressivism guides the west coast and northeast of the United States. In between lies the American heartland of Judeo-Christian values and a freedom loving people. Study the unprecedented thousands of folks at Trump rallies and you realize he struck a cord for the need of renewal in the American nation.
Revival usually begins at home-base and then goes to others. Think of the Early Church awakening in Jerusalem that spread to Judea, Samaria and around the world. America First called U.S. citizens to renew their own foundations–including religious liberty–before preaching to the world.
That’s a good definition of revival: God’s finger pointed at me.
Finally and maybe most importantly:
5. When the choice is family or others, family comes first (Family Tribe).
God designed our world through the creation of nations of people. He loves them deeply and respects their differences. Nation-states are really just large families of people who share common values, customs, and beliefs.
Here’s a certain truth about family: “If you don’t take care of your family you’re worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8).
I believe this is the most important meaning behind the America First slogan. Donald Trump tapped into the heart desire of many Americans that foreigners were being considered before them. That was wrong. Family comes first–not exclusively–just in order of priority.
Think of it this way. When there’s a natural disaster in a neighborhood, we naturally take care of family first–then assist others. That’s the natural flow of love, money, time and sacrifice. We can’t meet all needs–but we should begin with those in our immediate kin and go out from there.
That’s the design of God.
In the 2016 election, Trump saw the deep concerns of millions of American people who believed their government didn’t care for them anymore. They were “family” but the politicians weren’t concerned for their health, jobs, security, etc. They cared more for others including illegals, drug dealers, sexual deviants, terrorists and globalists.
Donald Trump saw the “American Family” and said no more. Family comes first. America First.
He has a point.
In summary, when all realms are on the table, our order of priorities in love and relationships comes down to: 1. God 2. Family. 3. Friends. 4. Nation. 5. Others (including other nations). If you practice those commitments, you will do well.
But when we’re looking at only the latter part of the list (which is the role of government), then our country becomes first priority–not selfishly, just practically.
Those are my thoughts about America First.
How about you?
Resisting American Renewal
A flurry of stories in the news this week highlight the worldview clash taking place in the United States.
President Trump’s Saturday tweets–that his team was wiretapped by the Obama Administration in the run-up to the November election–was the first jaw dropper. Then the new Wikileaks missive exposed more secrets of the CIA. Next, repeal and replace Obamacare ramped up.
Before that we witnessed women’s marches, the Democrats slow-walking appointments on Capitol Hill, and other intelligence turmoil and leaks while a new American Administration tried to get on its feet.
What’s going on in the world’s oldest democracy? It’s plain and simple.
A multi-front war has been launched to resist an American renewal.
The news cascaded this week on so many fronts that it’s almost impossible to detail. Besides, most of them were very confusing, filled with speculation, and laden with weeds.
It might be best to take us up to the 36,000 mile level and look down on what is happening in the 21st century’s lone superpower.
Here’s my view.
First of all, let’s remind ourselves that the USA is a divided nation. An Associated Press/NORC Center poll recently revealed that truth in living Technicolor. Here is their 2017 finding (written by Matt Sedensky).
“Add one more to the list of things dividing left and right in this country: We can’t even agree what it means to be an American. A new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds Republicans are far more likely to cite a culture grounded in Christian beliefs and the traditions of early European immigrants as essential to U.S. identity.”
“Democrats are more apt to point to the country’s history of mixing of people from around the globe and a tradition of offering refuge to the persecuted. While there’s disagreement on what makes up the American identity, 7 in 10 people – regardless of party – say the country is losing that identity.”
So America has an identity problem. Yes, we know that.
The article continues:
“‘It’s such stark divisions,’ said Lynele Jones, a 65-year-old accountant in Boulder, Colorado. Like many Democrats, Jones pointed to diversity and openness to refugees and other immigrants as central components of being American. ‘There’s so much turmoil in the American political situation right now. People’s ideas of what is America’s place in the world are so different from one end of the spectrum to the other,’ Jones said. “
“There are some points of resounding agreement among Democrats, Republicans and independents about what makes up the country’s identity. Among them: a fair judicial system and rule of law, the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, and the ability to get good jobs and achieve the American dream.”
That’s encouraging, but:
“Reggie Lawrence, a 44-year-old Republican in Midland, Texas, who runs a business servicing oil fields, said the country and the Constitution were shaped by Christian values. As those slip away, he said, so does the structure of families and, ultimately, the country’s identity. ‘If you lose your identity,’ Lawrence said, ‘What are we? We’re not a country anymore.'”
Fair point. Finally,
“The poll found Democrats were nearly three times as likely as Republicans to say that the U.S. should be a country made up of many cultures and values that change as new people arrive, with far more Republicans saying there should be an essential American culture that immigrants adopt.”
“Two questions, also posed during the presidential campaign, offered insight into how Trump’s election may have changed partisans’ views. The poll found about 52 percent of Republicans now regard the U.S. as the single greatest country in the world, up significantly from 35 percent when the question was asked last June.” (The AP-NORC poll of 1,004 adults was conducted Feb. 16-20, 2017).
Let me explain this poll in an historical sense and then define the current attempt to resist any form of American renewal.
American was uniquely founded in the 17th-18th centuries as a Christian based republic–the first country in history to be so birthed. Our charter, the Declaration of Independence, clearly reflected the centrality of God and biblical principles (“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”). Our Constitution–still the world’s oldest–put those ideas into the construct of law.
- Faith in God – our national motto, inscribed on our coins is “In God We Trust.”
- Family-based morality – strong and moral families led by godly wives and mothers (conclusion of Alexis de Toqueville in his seminal work Democracy in America).
- Freedom in business enterprise and from government tyranny.
Here is the American cultural equation for success: Faith, family, freedom.
When millions of immigrants streamed to our shores for hundreds of years they generally adopted those maxims. They became Americans. God providentially blessed that commitment and catapulted the United States into global leadership and influence.
We call this American exceptionalism. It’s exceptional because it never happened before.
Never.
For those first two hundred years, both political parties shared a common belief in what made America great. Then beginning in the 1960s, many forces began separating the U. S. from its belief in God (Bible and prayer removed from the schools), family life deteriorated (even re-defining marriage), and a growing government bureaucracy encroached on many American freedoms (EPA regulations, Obamacare etc.)
The Democratic Party generally encouraged this move away from biblical foundations to secular ideas. The mainstream liberal media joined the chorus. The election of Barack Obama and his eight years in office allowed secular constructs to reach a zenith–discouraging belief in God, creating alternative families, and taking away economic liberties. President Obama said he wanted to “transform” America.
He did.
- From faith in God to many gods and a powerful Government.
- From strong families to special interest victim groups.
- From freedom to the soft tyranny of the bureaucratic state.
Then along came Donald Trump–a most unlikely champion of original American values. He shared or spoke about many of them. He promised their restoration. He brought many godly men and women around him and promised a true America renewal (Make America Great Again).
Exhibit A: There are more people of faith (evangelicals) in the Trump Cabinet than any other in history. Donald Trump was elected to begin (at least on a governmental level), an American renewal.
So what is happening in the United States right now? As President Trump and his Administration move quickly to re-boot “America,” a vast secular resistance screams and thrashes to stop the U-turn. Many fronts are united in that cause:
1. The Republican Party establishment remains solidly entrenched in the DC bubble and are NOT committed to renewing America’s traditional values and culture.
2. The Democratic Party paralyzes Congress, slow-walks all of Trump’s nominees, and cries “Fire!”about Russian connections and wire-tapping when they are the ones who have strengthened the hands of our adversaries in past years.
3. The former Obama Administration, still embedded as political appointees in the bureaucracy, are leaking documents and creating havoc–like governmental IEDs planted in various agencies. Barack Obama personally stays in the capital city to launch a national community organizing group to preserve his legacy. He is the first former president to actively speak and work against his successor.
4. Mainstream liberal media (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, the New York Times, Washington Post etc.) report 85% negative articles on the Trump presidency in his first 30 days to try and bring him down. Fake news is now the new norm.
5. Democratic billionaires such as George Soros continue to push the open borders agenda and hire naive know-nothings to march and riot in the streets and shout down Republican town halls.
6. Secular university profs and students pummel free speech by protesting and assaulting conservative speakers (Charles Murray in Vermont) and burning buildings (Cal-Berkeley).
7. Witches and Wiccans worldwide pronounce curses on Donald Trump and his people.
8. The real power broker group–the invisible demonic world–laughs and ghoulishly orchestrates the dividing and destroying of America. They know that if America fails, then their casualities will grow.
That’s the Big Picture as I see it.
If you’re a person who loves God, believes in family, and cherishes freedom, you are desperately needed to enlist in this culture war and fight to win.
Cry out in prayer. Grow in knowledge and character. Muster your talents. Do what God shows you to do.
We must righteously defeat the resistance against an American Renewal.