“God, Family, Country” is one of my favorite Craig Morgan country songs as well as an order of great spiritual significance. It is a noble thing to take our focus off of our busy lives and address the abuses and inequalities that are happening in our churches, families, and our country. That is a biblical mandate of all who claim to follow Christ. Yet it is not right to ever disrespect and disparage one of the three in an effort to call out perceived problems in the other. That is what appears to be happening when players of any sport kneel during times set aside to honor our country and those who currently protect it and those who have died to keep us safe and free.

The Bible clearly commands that we honor our country regardless of its order of rule. 1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. That was said to people under numerous tyrannical governments beyond what we in America could ever imagine. How much more should we honor our nation that has given us unprecedented wealth, safety, freedom of speech, freedom of worship, etc.

The underlying problem in our nations troubles today is not with a very small percentage of police officers abusing their power, or perceived racism among blacks, whites, hispanics, or asians. The problem in our nation is its abandonment of its spiritual foundation that has kept its citizens united and free for so many years. As a nation, we have expelled God and the bible out of our schools, our public discourses, and our courts when those spiritual realities are the only true sources of morality and unity.

The only solution to the confusion and hatred we see today is a return to biblical morality. A renewed commitment to uphold our love for God, family, and country resulting in loving for our friends and enemies, valuing life from conception to old age, practicing abstinence until marriage, worshipping and glorifying our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Cultivating a heart that truly worships and glorifies God our Father and His precious Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:9-11Therefore God also has highly exalted Him (Jesus) and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Pastor Jerry Favor can be reached at Victory Baptist Church, 602 Gun Club Road, in Sagle.