Is there a creator?

Patriotic Nationalism?

Daniel chapter 4 verse 30:-   30 The king was saying: “Is this not Babylon the Great that I myself have built for the royal house by my own strength and might and for the glory of my majesty?”

A Dictionary Definition: The doctrine that your national culture and interests are superior to any other.

Nationalism is rife in the world today, and it can take many different forms. The question of whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is what all of us need to consider? Ask yourself, is the idea that your nation comes first (patriotism) something you support? Before you say NO or YES to this question, lets look at the many ways that Nationalism could be a part of your life and influence your thinking? "My Nation First", is a form of religion, but not one that is acceptable to the true God!

Yes! "My Nation first" is in reality a form of unreasonable worship, because your Nation dominates your ability to reason without bias! Nationalism is the main reason that people support warfare and give their lives for their country. Waving the flag and singing the anthem is a declaration that your country comes first in your life, even when your country is ruled by people who do not deserve your support! almost every war throughout history was fought because the leader of the aggressive nation was after greed and power, and not because of any danger to his people!

Politics is divisive!

1 Samuel chapter 8 verses 4 and 5:-   4 In time all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ra'mah. 5 They said to him: “Look! You have grown old, but your sons are not walking in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the other nations.”

Ask yourself honestly - Name one political party or individual that you ever voted for that made life easier for the poor and helped to stop racism and remove injustice from the oppressed in any real lasting ways? Only the rich and powerful ever really benefit from Earthly Governments, life does not change or get better for the majority of the less influential people? Whoever gets into a position of power will promise anything to get that power, but in reality will in return deliver nothing worthwhile!

There is no such thing as sharing prosperity with others, instead there is a growing drive toward a "me first" and "wealth at all costs" mentality among people in general. Family is still important, but when a rich relative dies, you will often hear of sometimes violent and often hotly disputed in court actions, where surviving family fight long battles to get what they see as their share of the wealth! The grief caused by the relative dying never even comes up into their hearts - Money Rules! There is no love of man, and often no love of God!

Sport is divisive!

1 Samuel chapter 17 verse 45:-   45 David replied to the Phi·lis'tine: “You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I am coming against you in the name of Jehovah of armies, the God of the battle line of Israel, whom you have taunted.

The battle between two opponents in the boxing ring is a throw back to the ancient Roman gladiator fights, and the Ancient Greek wrestling fights. The crowd watching these events are demonstrating a bloodthirsty preference for one of the two combatants, usually the one who represents their country! The same fervour is shown by anyone who supports their Soccer or American football, hockey, baseball, cricket and every other team sport you can think of because - Your team or individual must win! It was also common place in the ancient past for opposing armies to send out two champions, one from each side to do battle for the honour of their army!

Followers of these sports, or fervent support for a political party can lead to an enhanced aggression to anyone who does not think as you do? This attitude can be seen in many countries even the USA. For example - the attacks on the Capitol building in support of Donald Trump! The truth is that mankind in general are easily prone to mob anger and violence, there are plenty of examples of this trend all over the Earth, nowhere is exempt. Even peaceful demonstrations can become violent and destructive without warning!

Religion is divisive!

James chapter 1 verse 19 and 20:-   19 Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness.

Religion can also be divisive, for numerous examples you just have to look at the violence and intolerance displayed in almost all forms of religion against those of another faith. And this intolerance is seen in the numerous Christian denominations as well! Catholic against Protestant in Ireland, Jews against Muslims in middle east, Hindu against Sikh's in India, and there are many more often violent displays of religious fervour. None of these people who are involved in these practises are serving the true God?

All of the above examples of intolerance toward individuals or groups and even Nations who do not conform to your distorted ways of thinking can and often do end in violent confrontation. Your team, your Country, your religion, your colour or race, these are all forms of National identity, and every one of them is wrong and Unchristian in the true God's eyes.

True Christian Practise!

James chapter 1 verse 5:-  5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him.

The course of true wisdom is to reject all these divisive practises. A true Christian will always avoid causing offence, and will always follow the peaceful option even when they are wronged! So if any group action enhances the aggressive nature of people (even close relatives), the true Christian will attempt to calm the situation down if possible, and if not possible, then they will leave the area so as not to become involved in the trouble!

This action shows wisdom and not cowardice, it takes more real strength of character to walk away from confrontation than to get involved, and this is acceptable in the true God's eyes! If you are a Christian, can you honestly see Jesus Christ getting involved in any of the above mentioned situations, if you know anything about the Bible will answer NO! Jesus was a man of peace, and he always did what is right in the eyes of his Father! We as true Christians need to follow that example by avoiding the above divisive often mind altering thinking and practises that can and will affect your relationship with Jehovah!

Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7:-   6 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.

Follow the Prince of Peace!