God’s Method in Building Nations
Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (Proverbs 14:34)
Undeniably, godliness or righteousness makes a country great, regardless of the population or its natural resources.
Undoubtedly too, it’s God who makes a nation great, using God-fearing individuals who are leaders.
However, the greatness of a people does not rest only on its economy but on the joy and freedom of people to self-actualisation for the good of all.
Historically, great nations are led by individuals who work with God, pursuing justice, righteousness and equity.
King David is an outstanding biblical example. The nation of Israel was firmly established through him — never lost any war, and the people were joyful under his reign.
Moreover, the LORD God was proud of him that He established the kingship in his descendants (covenant of salt: 2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Furthermore, David was noted as a man after God’s heart. And the Bible witnesses, “he shepherded them (Israel) according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”(Psalms 78:72)
Outside the Bible, there were leaders who worked with God to uplift their countries; as in England, the United States, and Ethiopia.
United States
Without doubt, the founding fathers of the States moved with God, even to assert, “In God We Trust”. Nevertheless, Abraham Lincoln, 16th president, is often ranked in both popular and scholarly polls as the greatest president in American history. He is remembered as a martyr and a national hero for his wartime leadership and for his efforts to preserve the Union and abolish slavery.
Lincoln did believe in an all-powerful God that shaped events, and often expressed that belief in his major speeches.
By the end of the Confederate war, he increasingly appealed to the Almighty for solace.
For instance, to explain events, he wrote on April 4, 1864, to a newspaper editor in Kentucky:
“I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me. Now, at the end of three years struggle the nation’s condition is not what either party, or any man devised, or expected. God alone can claim it…”
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Mt. Rushmore Sculpture of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln (L to R)
Ethiopia
Emperor Haile Selassie (meaning, “Might of the Trinity”) defended the Christian faith from being eroded in his country in 1916; and also resisted the Italian occupation of the land successfully in 1941, just before the Second World War. Thus, Ethiopia remains the only African country which was not colonised.
He was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, and sought to modernise the country. Being progressive, he established provincial schools, strengthened the police forces, and progressively outlawed feudal taxation as he sought to help his people.
Also, steered Ethiopia into the mainstream of post-World War II-African politics.
Notably, he brought Ethiopia into the League of Nations and the United Nations, and played an important role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union) in 1963, with Addis Ababa being its seat.
Great Britain
Britain has a long history of monarchies who referenced God, including King James I who authorised the famous King James (translated version of the) Bible. However, the Victorian era (1837 – 1914) was outstanding.
Victorian Britain saw the rise and rise of Great Britain.
During this period, England changed from a rural, agricultural country to an urban, industrialised one.
By the time of Queen Victoria’s death, Britain was the world’s largest economy, had the world’s most powerful navy and had “an empire on which the sun never set”.
By 1913, the British Empire held great power over 412million people — 23% of the world population at the time. Yet by then, the British population was 37million people!
However, it was discovered that justice with righteousness was on the high during this period:
The reigning monarch was “a pillar of respectability,” and left two legacies to the UK: the Christmas Tree and the Great Exhibition of 1851.
A fallout of the First Great Awakening (of the 18th century.) Whereby, piety was a cherished virtue among the people.
Summary
Leaders who partner with God are never self-seeking; and it’s easy for the people to trust in them. And together they build their nation to the joy of all, glorifying God.
Certainly, the head makes the body.
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