We're spending the summer looking at the book of Proverbs at Kansas Christian Church. This morning, I can't help but think of Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." Notice that everything about this verse is active. It doesn't say that past righteousness brings us glory, nor does it say that today's failings always haunt us.
We're very fond of saying that the United States was founded on Christian principles. That's admirable, but this proverb isn't about heritage; it's about here-and-now. Are we living so that our character builds up our nation?
Whether or not we're a Christian nation isn't the issue; what does it look like for Christians to live in this nation?
This sermon examines a principle that has come to define our nation. I don't know that I can call it a "Christian principle" because it's much older than that. But it is a principle that Jesus lived out and calls us to follow. It is truly an act of righteousness that exalts.
