The way we think about the United States of America and the church that resides here is becoming ever more important. Only when we come to understand the relationship and separation of the kingdom of God and America, can we rightly assess the value and danger of our patriotism. An important question is coming to the foreground: In this day, can we give our hearts’ allegiance to both America and the kingdom of God?

Many of America’s values and beliefs have become contrary to those in the kingdom of God. Two of the most damaging are the spirit of independence and the belief that man has the right to establish his own rule. Without God, the tensions between the two become unmanageable. The United State of America is swiftly becoming an example and object lesson in this regard.

As God is removed from our society, the values and belief that are contrary to His kingdom will become stronger, and more humanistic. The independent spirit will devolve into a spirit of anarchy; while the belief in man-centered rule, driven by the thirst for power and control, will become oligarchy and tyranny. The former will give excuse and purpose to the latter; and vice-versa.

Between those determined to rule and those refusing it are the masses that have decided that the state is better resourced to feed, protect, secure, entertain and govern, than the God that created them. A great deception has come upon us. The evil day is at hand. It is time we submitted to the searching of our hearts by God (Psalm 139:23-24). We also need to rethink the way we think.

One of the problems with the way we think (aka, mindset, paradigm, worldview) is our thinking’s subconscious insistence that it is correct. Think about it (if your mind will let you). What is the natural, default assumption regarding the way you think? It is so obvious, when you think about it: Our minds assume they are thinking right. The problem is, this runs counter to Romans 12:2.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Why would our minds need to be renewed if there was not something wrong with them?

The renewing of our minds is inhibited by our unwillingness to recognize and confess that we are in need of a transformation. Having the mind of Christ includes the humility to be suspicious about the way we think – to know that there is something wrong with it. Now get this: Doing so requires intentional and diligent effort. You might say that there is a battle raging for the way we think – both individually and corporately.

Recognizing our need opens the door for God to meet it. Only then will we “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. This is hope for the church in America. This is one of the more significant reasons why a storm is coming – to challenge the way we think, and to prove what we believe in our hearts.

God bless you with the grace to think – humbly – and the courage to pledge your full allegiance to the kingdom of God.

Humbly yours and His forever,