One of our great historians, Arnold Toynbee, speaks of nineteen civilizations that have existed since man began to form governments. Of the nineteen, only five still remain. Ours is one of the five.

When our nation was very young, a famous French political philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville, visited to learn what magic quality had enabled a handful of people to defeat the mighty British Empire. He looked for greatness in our harbors and rivers, our fertile fields and boundless forests, our mines and natural resources. He studied our schools, our Congress, and our Constitution, without finding the secret of our strength. It was not until he went into the churches of America and heard the pulpits "aflame with righteousness" that he found the secret of our greatness. He returned to France and wrote this warning: "America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

There is no doubt that God has blessed America, yet we also agree that greatness is not measured in silver and gold, rivers and forests, or even muscles and missiles. Greatness is an inner quality. It is found in what we are, not in what we have. Greatness is a quality of the heart, mind, and soul. We agree with de Tocqueville that "goodness and greatness" are inseparable. Let me suggest three ways to attain greatness in our nation.

First, we must resolve to serve our fellow citizens in humility. Recently Time magazine used over thirty pages to explore the subject of leadership. Renowned leaders attempted to define the essence of leadership. I was surprised that no one suggested the biblical definition of humble service: "...whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant." (Matt. 20:26) Old-fashioned concern for others is a quality that makes a nation great. Our Lord gave us the example when He "laid aside his garments; and took a towel…and began to wash the disciples feet…" (John 13:4,5) May we as citizens resolve to render humble service to one another.

Second, we should resolve to be totally honest and courageous. For many years, Dr. Madison Sarratt taught mathematics at Vanderbilt University. Prior to giving exams, he would say something like this, "Today I am giving two examinations—one in trigonometry and the other in honesty. I hope you will pass them both. If you must fail one, fail trigonometry. There are many good people in the world who can’t pass trigonometry, but there are no good people who cannot pass the examination of honesty." Each year it costs us collectively $40 billion to take care of white-collar crooks who embezzle from banks and corporations. It costs the nation’s hotels and motels $500 million a year for petty stealing.

Third, we must acknowledge God as sovereign. No nation or person can be hardened and proud against God and expect to prosper. National prosperity, like personal prosperity, is contingent upon righteousness. "Righteousness exalts a nation," said Solomon, "but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34). Our nation needs to return to God and to righteousness.

In the past few years, our nation has shown a frightening tendency to accept and even institutionalize sin. We seem to be going the way of Sodom and Gomorrah. Are we losing our greatness? Can the trend be reversed? It can, if we will return to God. Righteousness, courage, integrity, honesty, and humility – those are the things that make a nation great.

There are at least 13 freedoms that Christians have in Christ.

A. I am free from the burden of past sin! I John 1:7

B. I am free from failure! Romans 8:28

C. I am free from worry! I Peter 5:7

D. I am free from bondage! II Corinthians 3:17

E. I am free from condemnation! Romans 8:1

F. I am free from ignorance! I Cor. 1:30

G. I am free from weakness! Psalm 27:1

H. I am free from the power of Satan! I John 4:4

I. I am free from defeat! II Corinthians 2:14

J. I am free from doubt! Romans 12:3

K. I am free from want! Philippians 4:9

L. I am free from frustration. Philippians 4:13

M. I am free from fear. II Timothy 1:7