By Pastor David Anderson of Be Community Church – Maricopa AZ – beconnect@becommunitychurch.com
In September I attended an event honoring our police and fire departments for the work they did on 9/11. As the speaker shared his thoughts for the occasion, I found myself reflecting on the tragedy and being stirred with emotions like the very day of this tragic event. The uncertainty and fear that this day caused for me, and many other Americans was unlike anything most had ever experienced. The question of what happened and how could this really be happening to us the American people.
The tragedy of this day was quickly overshadowed by the American spirit rising and taking a stand. Many people came together, supported one another and stood together. People left their homes to check on one another to ensure relatives, neighbors or even those in small businesses were ok. Flags were displayed in front of homes, in neighborhoods and in front of businesses. People traveled from all over the nation to New York to assist with rescue and clean up. We came together as people as a nation and supported one another.
It seems in recent years we have changed our position with our love and support of one another. Most recently we seem to be taking sides regarding issues race, political positions and even nationalities. The events I witness today causes me to ask if we are still that nation. During the time after 9/11, the character exhibited by many Americans exemplified the spirit of the Pledge of Allegiance, which states “One Nation under God”.
The bible states that when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is, He responded stating two commandments. One was to love the Lord, our God and the second was to love our neighbors as we do ourselves (Matt 22:36-40). We may all look different, be from different places and have different points of views but the bible commands us to love. We all have may have different ways of demonstrating love, but if we take to time to care for those around us, we can easily see the hands of the Christian at work.
