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Last week, two momentous occasions passed.

First, it was the horrible anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our nation.  Like all Americans, I remember exactly where I was on that day, and distinctly remember watching that second plane dive into the second tower.  I was fresh out of the Marine Corps and still had 3 years to serve on my contract as Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).  This meant I could be called back into active duty, and my wife and I fully expected I would be after 9/11.  But, in the providence of God, the Corps did not come calling.  But, I actually did wrestle with the idea of just going back to active duty voluntarily (an idea that sounds crazy to those who have never served).  I had skills the nation could use, and I knew my brothers in arms would be in one huge mess very, very soon.  I really was torn between my loyalty to my now growing family at home, and my loyalty to the Corps and Country.

I was, and am, a patriot.  I am thankful to be an American.  God has been so immeasurably good to us in the USA.  When I think of how our nation continues to dishonor God in so many ways, it is astounding to me that we are still here and still so very free.  And, for all our weaknesses, we still send more Christian missionaries around the world than any other nation.  [Ironically, a study done by the North American Mission Board of the SBC also finds that more missionaries are now being sent into North America than any other country, too!]

Like most Americans, I did hit pause last week to remember our loss, and pray for healing, and beg God for continued mercy on our people and our land.  I was very disappointed at the lack of coverage the major news networks gave the the 9/11 remembrance cermonies.  It's almost as if they want us to forget?  Well, I have not forgotten.  And, I try and lead my family to not take for granted the goodness of our God towards this nation.  We are undeserving wretches, yet He showers grace on us day after day.  I still thank God for America, and still sing "God shed His grace on thee."

The second momentous event last week was the National Quartet Convention in Louisville.  This annual monster of an event brings out all the best in Quartet Singing and Southern Gospel.  My wife and I got to attend Thursday night.  We grew up on this style of music.  We still enjoy it, though we are more fond now of contemporary Christian music that is solidly gospel-centered and Christ-exalting, such as the music being produced by Sovereign Grace Music.  Nevertheless, we enjoyed hearing Greater Vision, the Isaacs, and the McKamy's.  We worshipped.

Our favorite group of the night, however, was new to us.  The Collingsworth Family blessed our socks off!  What an amazingly gifted family (Dad, Mom and several teen children).  Momma Collingsworth played an instrumental rendition on the piano of "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" (a song I actually do not like at all for both theological and practical reasons) that brought the house down.  The poor song selection notwithstanding, I have truly never witnessed a "piano event" quite like what I saw that night.  It was stirring and Mrs. Collingsworth nearly had to be carried off the stage by her husband after the performance.  She was obviously exhausted from it and I was exhausted watching her!  The crowd gave a standing ovation.And, earlier, when the Collingsworth Family sang "God Bless America" they also stood and removed hats and crossed hearts.  I appreciated the patriotism of these older Americans, many of whom have lived through truly sacrificial times, such as WWII

But later, when a Trio of Sisters called - you guessed it - "The Sisters" sang "It Is Well With My Soul" this same patriotic crowd was so noisy, distracted, moving about, going to get popcorn, visiting with neighbors, that I could hardly hear it.  I sat in my chair with my arms raised to heaven and my eyes closed, trying with all my might to focus on singing to my Precious Savior -

My sin, O the bliss, of this Glorious Thought

My sin, not in part, but the whole

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more

Praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord, O My Soul!      

I wondered, where was the patriotism now?  Why would we stand and shout and cheer wildly for a song written glorifying  our Nation's Civil War, while milling about distractedly and sitting on our hands when the Gospel-Centered lyrics of this amazing old hymn were being sung?  Friends, I am afraid for some Christians, patriotism has become idolatry. 

American does not have to continue, and by all indications, she will not continue.  But the gospel is forever!  The atonement of Jesus on the cross for those who believe is forever!  The Word of God shall not pass away!  May God make us a people who get far more excited about the gospel than we ever do about politics or our nation or our military.

"Some trust in horses and some in chariots,  but we will trust in the Name of the Lord our God" (Ps 20:7).

by Keith McWhorter