Steve Gaines

I believe that the United States of America is the most blessed nation on earth. The primary reason America has been blessed is because God has honored the prayers and godly lives of millions of Christians who have faithfully loved and served the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” While that verse originally applied to the people of Israel, I believe that it also has ramifications for America.

To continue enjoying the blessing and protection of Almighty God, America needs seven gifts. The first gift America needs is diligent workers. Proverbs 10:4 says, “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” American workers must learn to compete not only regionally and nationally, but also globally. Like it or not, a world-wide, global economy is here to stay. Emerging countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China are rapidly expanding. They are aggressively competing for their share in the business world. American workers must learn to hold our own intellectually and vocationally with these people in other nations.

American workers must avoid laziness and embrace a strong work ethic if we are to stay competitive and financially and occupationally strong. Yes, we should help those who cannot help themselves. But America has no business giving financial aid to anyone who is physically able to work but is simply too lazy to do so. I thank God for any welfare program that extends a helping hand to those who have a genuine need. But anyone who is looking for a “free ride” should not receive any form of aid or welfare from the church or the government.

America needs workers who will seek to sharpen and accelerate their skills. Also, if we’re going to remain competitive with such super-tech nations as China, India, and Japan, we must invest in our children’s educations. We must refuse to “dumb down” our educational system to the lowest common denominator just so we can pass every student. Instead, we must challenge students and hold them to rigorous standards which require high levels of academic competency in order for them to graduate. We don’t need to merely certify them – we need to actually educate them! A work force that is intellectually incompetent and vocationally inept will lead to a society that crumbles. For continued health and vitality, the United States of America needs capable, well-trained, aggressive, diligent workers.