Who/what is an American? What does America mean to you and your faith?

Many times we Americans are tempted to complain about the government, taxes, and whatever else we find distasteful to our palate. Many of us are prone to blame our peculiar economic plight on the government. Certainly I would be the first to defend our right to voice our opinion. However, to have this right is something that I believe is frequently taken for granted. What a blessing it is to be able to tell officials what a lousy job that they are doing. Of course, around the world, there are few people who have this freedom. I thank God for all those who have implemented and preserved freedoms that we so often just assume are there. Not only should we be grateful for our peculiar freedoms, but we should be willing to allow others who wish to become citizens the opportunity to do so. Simply because we got here before the later arrivals does not mean we should close up the bowels of compassion toward them. The Bible teaches that the stranger (foreigner) should be given hospitality.