What makes a Nation Great?

Loren Cunnigham is the Founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), a worldwide movement of followers of Christ. Recently, he celebrated his 80th birthday. He had an unusual birthday wish! He did not want any items that are usually given for reaching such a milestone. No golden watch or trip around the world for him. Traveling around the world is what he has done for most of his life anyway. He is one of about a dozen people who have visited every nation on earth.

So what was his wish? To end Bible Poverty!

There are many problems in the world that need tackling–so why would a man with his experience and insight put Bible poverty on the top of his list? Aren’t literal poverty, ethnic conflicts, wars, environmental issues, just to name a few, more appropriate needs to receive focused attention?  Loren states that it is precisely because of what he has experienced and seen during his travels around the world that he is convinced that accessibility to God’s Word is so important. He has seen the impact of the Bible on nations and societies, as well as the evil and need that exists, where biblical truth is not known.

The ‘Evil Trinity” of unbridled greed, corruption, and injustice bring down nations. Integrity, a high regard for justice and generosity on the other hand will lift up a nation.

Geneva, Switzerland–a city transformed by God’s Word

Geneva, Switzerland, is so beautiful; it can take your breath away, but it wasn’t always that way. In 1530 Geneva was called the smelliest city in Europe because rotting garbage and human waste filled the streets. It had a high crime rate, prostitution, and desperately poor slum dwellers. Geneva was transformed into a prosperous city, becoming the crossroads for international diplomacy, humanitarian agencies and international organizations. And–it happened stunningly quickly! How?

It started with a man named John Calvin. He emphasized the need for personal salvation, teaching people to repent and trust God—and how to live. Calvin and his friends searched the scriptures and taught the people, what the Bible has to say about every area of life. They taught the people to “wash their world with God’s Word and prayer.” They emphasized personal responsibility, a good work ethic, and encouraged people to see work as an act of worship. They taught people how to take care of their families, to stay sober, to work hard, to pay their bills, to save for the future, and to give back to God of their income. Bankers were taught not to charge high interest, fixing interest rates a 4%, enough for the lender to make money but low enough for the borrower to finance a new venture. All this had an immediate economic impact: Geneva and Switzerland began to prosper.

So what makes a nation great? It’s not its military or economic prowess or highly developed technology. It is personal and corporate integrity, a high regard for treating everyone with fairness and justice and a generous attitude toward others. God’s Sacred Scriptures are the source of these insights. By having access to, studying it and practicing its truths, Nations can change for the better.

Being open to consider the Bible’s truth will lead to the recognition that it describes reality. God’s Word is testable! It contains laws that if followed will produce the results promised. Interested in seeing how you can be involved in ending Bible Poverty? Check out: endbiblepovertynow.