The United States is known for many good things, like spreading freedom, democracy, and the gospel; however, we are also known for spreading various ills worldwide. We are not a perfect nation – after all, we are full of imperfect human beings. But, as we look to celebrating our country's 246th anniversary, I encourage you to take some time to thank God for our great country.

In Chapter 1 of iWork4Him, Ted Hains recounts visiting the Marine Reserves with his friend Doug during his senior year of high school. It was the height of the Korean War, patriotism was running high, and both boys were interested in joining up. However, while visiting the Rock Island Arsenal, Ted decided he wasn’t ready for the military and postponed signing up. A few months later, the local Marine Reserves were called up, and before Ted had graduated, Doug died in combat. Although he is now 87, Ted writes that he still thinks about Doug and wonders who he would have become and what would have happened if they’d talked about the gospel before he passed away.

What about you? Are you miserably saved? Do you feel like your faith gets in the way of your dreams and ambitions? Or are your dreams and ambitions guided and set by your faith? Remember, true faith will direct you to set aside yourself and your selfish ambitions to seek what God's will and God's purpose are for you.

We have lived in neighborhoods filled with predominantly retirees for almost two decades, and I'm here to report that the American Dream of Retirement is an illusion. Living a life with no purpose other than to play golf or tennis every day and eat out every night gets old fast. I can't tell you the number of times that a neighbor has told me how bored they are with retirement. It's why Martha and I wrote the book iRetire4Him. Because here's the thing, God's purpose for you doesn't end when your employment does. The work of Jesus isn't confined to 9-5, and your calling doesn't retire.

Newsflash: nobody ever got to their deathbed, and in reflecting on their lifetime, said to themselves, “Boy, I wish I had spent more time in the office!” No one ever said that. They said, “I wish I spent more time with family. I wish I spent more time having fun. I wish I spent more time relaxing.” They don’t say, “I wish I spent more time working.

There isn't a single person in the United States of America who doesn't have a possession that goes unused for a year. Every one of us has extra STUFF. Martha and I made a rule when we got married 35 years ago that if anything went unused in our home over the period of a year, we would give it away. And guess what, there's only been a few times I've given away something I wish I hadn't. The reality is that we all have things that go unused, whether they are possessions, talents, giftings, or resources.

Our country, a nation built on the value of freedom, is a mess… but not for the reason you think. It’s largely a mess because many of those who call themselves “Christians” have chosen to live in freedom from the obligation to do right and freedom to pursue self-interest under the guise of the “American Dream,” rather than in Jesus’ freedom.

“You can’t pay God back with your good deeds, you can’t scam the heavenly ledger, and you sure can’t escape the death sentence delivered. It’s hopeless. But then Jesus rescued us! He said, “I will pay the sin debt for you; you just need to give your old life to me in exchange for a new one that comes without a death sentence.”

God has placed you right where you are on purpose and for a purpose. He wants to use you as a lamp in the darkness to bring light and encouragement to all those around you who don’t know him yet – to those who are stuck in isolation and hopelessness. So, as you begin to go back out into the wide world, stop and look around you. Who doesn’t know Jesus yet? What can you do to bring hope, light, love, and healing to them today?

It's the end of the world as we know it.

• When Jesus was killed on the Cross, likely the disciples thought these very words, in Hebrew, of course.

• When Jesus rose from the dead, they likely thought these words again but for a different reason.

• In 300 ad, when Constantine adopted Christianity as the religion of choice for the Roman empire, likely the disciples of Jesus thought these same words – It's the end of the world as we know it.

But what about today? Is the world ending? Yes. This week? This month? This year? Only our Father knows.