Death of America?

Do you love America? I mean, love everything about our position of prominence in the world? Do you sort of expect that America will be a superpower in the world forever, at least until the Lord returns and gets our permission to change things a bit? (Does sarcasm communicate well thru a blog post?)

I’m betting that you’re probably expecting America to be a/the leader when it comes to the global scene. Oh, sure, there are a few ultra-liberal, Hollywood-types who think we are the most evil entity on the planet, but I trust that they don’t spend too much time in our neck of the woods.

So, what would you think if a Chinese economist stood before you and told you that America’s time in the spotlight is over and it’s China’s turn to rule the roost? How would you feel if he told you that China is already the #2 economy and will surpass the US in the next decade and lead the world for the next 500 years? What would you do as an American Christian if he asked for your blessings for China to develop as a Christian nation?

Well, that’s what happened in a challenging session at the Leadership Summit last Thursday. Chinese economist, Dr. Peter Zhao Xiao, speaking thru an interpreter, said that China will rise to world dominance economically. He also explained that his study of America taught him that our success was due to our Christian ethic. Therefore, he implored the church of North America to commit to developing a vibrant Christian influence in China.

So, what do you think, Christian? Ready to hand the reins to China? Not now? Not ever?

But isn’t that what we do all the time? Isn’t there a season when we realize that our time is waning and it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation? Now, I know that there are many who continue to hold firmly to the baton, and it can’t be pried from their clenched fist. “Like my gun, you can have the baton when I’m dead and can’t fight you for it, maybe.”

That was the case with King Saul. When David was anointed to be the next king of Israel, Saul didn’t take it too well, trying repeatedly to pin the lad to the wall with his javelin.

But that is not the Christian way. That’s not the way that John the Baptizer modeled. Speaking of the appearance of Jesus, he said,

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

And Jesus, at the end of His earthly ministry told His disciples,

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. John 16:7

Face it, we all will likely die before Jesus returns. It has been that way for 2000 years. And the church is only one generation from extinction.

So, who are you pouring into? Who will carry on in your absence? It’s never too soon to start preparing your replacement. Are you a godly “father” in the church? What young man are you mentoring? Are you a “seasoned” woman? Are you dedicated to teaching the young about being godly wives? (Titus 2:2-5)

Or, if it’s God’s desire to move global prominence to China, will we fight Him to keep it?