Today's Devotional

September 8, 2008

Subject: Who Will Help?

Acts 20:35 - "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive"

Some people inside of our country and outside or our country talk a lot about the arrogance of the United States. Without going into detail, I think I know what they're talking about. Some deride us for what they see as imperialistic ventures into sovereign countries and I know what they're talking about there too. Still others see us as imposing our values on people around the world. That may be true, but my question is, who else's values would you rather them have?

I spoke in church yesterday about "Giving, As A Core Value" and I think that's what sets us apart as a country. I don't think it is an accident that we are the most giving country on the earth and we "happen" to have these Judeo-Christian principles in our country. No, I think the message of Jesus Christ and sacrificial giving go hand in hand.

I've been asking one simple question for about two years now and I've still received no answer from anyone. What other country on the planet does more than the U.S. of A. to help those in need around the world? Whether it be natural disasters, man-made terrorism, famine, sickness or disease, we are a giving country and always ready to lend a hand of help.

We can only thank God that our founders believed in Jesus Christ. The principle outlined in the scripture above tells us that it is more blessed to give. Of course our Christian heritage is slowly fading in our country, nevertheless, to this day watch and see. If a disaster happens tomorrow in the far reaches of the world, even with our economic slow-down and everything else, who will go with aid first? We will.

That's what God's people do; help first and ask questions later. Lets not do it the other way around.

Carlen