No King But God

It’s hard for Americans to have a kingdom mentality because we’ve never had a king. The American culture is an independent, “maverick” mentality. We celebrate the rugged individualism that won the West and changed how the world does virtually everything.

Americans feel at home completely on their own. A true American leader is not going to wait for approval from France to topple a Muslim terrorist regime. I like what Stormin’ Norman Swartzkoff said when France refused to help us in Operation Desert Storm.

“Going into war without France is like going into war without your accordion.”

Wee ha! That is a classic illustration of the true American mentality, and I love it. It says we have no respect for your little kingdom. You stay on your side of the pond, make perfume, and remain irrelevant while we change the world and make a difference. Yes, we really don’t need France because we can do it on our own.

While this kind of thinking is great for starting a business, running a farm, or winning wars, it makes for terrible theology. Individualism, self-reliance, and a maverick mentality that you don’t need anyone’s help don’t jive in relationship with Father God.

Being a Father and King, He revels in taking care of us. He enjoys supplying our needs. God loves to be needed, and you and I really need Him.

It is easier to convince an African bushman that He needs a savior than it is to bring a Texas cattleman who worked, scraped, and built his “empire” with his own muscle to King Jesus. They don’t see the point. They believe they can save themselves.

Do you know anyone like that? If that someone is you, know you do need a king. You do need a savior. While you may be able to survive, even thrive, in this world, your dependence and trust in your heavenly Father gets you into the next one. 

So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.Romans 9:16