Our nation fought a bloody civil war in the 1860s to eliminate the evils of slavery. A nation that fought bravely for such a cause is by definition a great nation.
We nevertheless continue to wrestle with issues of race and religion. Our diverse peoples are often ill at ease with one another, and yet we have avoided the degree of civic chaos that plagues the Middle East.
Our beloved law enforcement officers are an essential part of the peacemaking process. Blessed are the peacekeepers. They should be accorded the respect and appreciation they deserve from the citizens they serve and protect. Shooting and killing armed suspects will be necessary at times, of course, but officers should keep two Biblical precepts in mind as if these had been spoken directly by the Lord: “Thou shalt not kill” and “Vengeance is mine.”
May we ask for comparable introspection from politicians who might consider themselves above the rule of law? Any power you wield comes to you from the Almighty, so please ensure that you treat this awesome responsibility with the seriousness it deserves. Pray for both yourself and for your constituents, that you may serve and govern with the Lord’s wisdom.
The question of how best to deal with the terror threat springs to mind here. So does the question of immigration. On the latter, America should (again, in accord with Biblical precepts) be a haven for legal immigration. We must always welcome newcomers, but they in turn should abide by laws that govern the immigration process.
No complaints, please, about special screening measures to ensure the safety of those who are already citizens. Observance of and enforcement of the laws of the nation, along with thoughtful assent to Biblical laws, will go a long way toward curing what ails us. The extent to which the former accords with the latter will ultimately determine the success or failure of the United States of America. May God bless America.
Mark McMenamin
South Hadley