Measuring The Greatness Of A Nation

Morning Message................alot of stuff, use what you can ! Mike

Measuring The Greatness Of A Nation

Deut. 4:7-9

Deut 4:7-9 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for ? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I have set before you this day ? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;

This text is part of a sermon begin in chapter one which Moses delivers to the nation of Israel. It has been forty years since their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. They stand in Moab on the border of the promised land. They must enter in and battle against the mighty Canaanites. Moses does not lay out military strategy, but instead reminds them of what has brought them success, and what will continue to produce greatness in them ! Our country is continually described as being a great nation. Yet, how do we define or measure greatness in a country. Some would suggest that America is great because of it’s................

1. Material Possessions.

America has truly been blessed in material things. The poorest of our poor fair much better than those in other countries. But does God measure greatness in material possessions ?

Some would suggest that America is great because of it’s......

2. Military Power.

The power of our military force is a source of great pride in our country...and no doubt we have one of the most powerful militaries in the world, but is that the way that God measures greatness in a nation.

Some would suggest that America is great because of it’s......

3. Medical Practices.

God has given much wisdom in our land as far as medicine goes. Thousands of foreign students come to our country to be trained in our medical schools, and hospitals. People from other countries come here to be treated. We are truly blessed in the field of medicine.....but does God measure greatness in this manner ?

Some would suggest that America is great because of it’s.....

4. Man Made Policy.

We are blessed as Americans to have rights. We have great freedoms ! We must never take these for granted. Others wish that they lived in such a place. We have the right to choose those who represent us in government. We have the right to freedom of speech, and the freedom of religion. Our court system assumes the innocence of a man and guarantees that the accused receive a fair trial. Yet, freedom comes with much responsibility ! Though I am thankful for the American way ! God’s way is much more important, and I don’t believe that God measures success and greatness upon our politics, and policies.

5. Modern Progression.

We are a modern nation with all the up to date technology, and conveniences known to man. We are a country that pushes for education, and advancement. We want our children to be the best educated in the world. Some of the greatest universities, and colleges make their home here in our country, and most anyone who has a serious desire to be educated can receive a education in our country. Yet, does our modernness and our progression mean that we are great in the sight of God ?

Illust. The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years! We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We’ve done larger things, but not better things. We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait.