In my kitchen cupboard I have a number of canned food items – I identify them only by the label on the front of the can. While labels are good for cans they may not be for nations.

Recent surveys have mentioned that about 85% of Americans profess Christianity – this would make it a Christian nation by the number – just as there are many nations that have been categorized as Islamic or Hindu nations – because of their numbers.

However, there are stark inconsistencies concerning the actual character of our nation if we are going to label it with a special designation. In America, although there is a strong Christian influence – there are many things that are very non-Christian. But the good news is that our Constitution allows us to continue to worship as we want. This affords the opportunity for Christians to live as a Christian - and you know maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

When we put restraints on what we think ought to be – we can easily misrepresent God. What we might think is good for today, may cause major problems down the road. In the Bible, the Pharisees tried their best to “lock down” on religious order. Their efforts may have been noble in the onset, but their perpetual litigation of rules ultimately became their religion. Jesus Christ preached against their ways because they grossly misrepresented the God that they were seeking to serve.

As a Christian, I believe that we ought to do our best to live and teach our convictions. But it is my opinion that God is not looking for a place to fit in. The real Christian nation does not have geographical borders. It is my prayer that the characteristics of unconditional love, care, peace and higher moral standards would become the hallmark of America.