"Speak American!" (John 13:35)

I was watching a parody of American life on television. One person was angry with a group of recent immigrants who were unable to speak english. In obvious disgust, he yelled, “You’re in America! Speak American!”

This obvious racist rant needed an answer! I yelled at the television screen, “So we should all speak Navajo or Aleut? After all, these are some of the original native Americans!”

What defines a country? There are legal and lay definitions. Some have stated it is defined by a shared language, borders, and culture. America has never legally defined a national language but english has become the de facto standard. We are a nation of immigrants with millions of citizens speaking their mother tongue in addition to english. What binds us all together is our citizenship and belief in this country’s ideals and principles.

What binds us together as Christians? We are millions of believers speaking different languages, embracing a wide variety of cultures. We do not live in a country with borders. We live in an unlimited Kingdom. What binds us all together is belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And how do others know we follow Jesus? By our love for one another.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35 (ESV)

We’re in God’s Kingdom! Speak Christian!

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; keep our family strong.