As the war between Russia and Ukraine has captured the attention of the world, one thing that has clearly stood out has been the great passion and love of homeland of the Ukrainian people. Thousands of Ukrainians have flocked to enlist in the military in order to defend their homeland, even many who did not reside in the country at the outbreak of the conflict. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of the war, the strength, passion and dedication of the Ukrainian people for their nation has clearly been demonstrated and has captured the attention of the globe.

 This has led many throughout the globe to question how much of a love of homeland they themselves have.  In a recent poll, Americans were asked what they would do if they were in the same position as Ukrainians are now: stay and fight or leave the country? A majority (55 percent) say they would stay and fight, while 38 percent say they would leave the country. Republicans say 68 - 25 percent and independents say 57 - 36 percent they would stay and fight, while Democrats say 52 - 40 percent they would leave the country.

 This has led many to question what exactly has happened to America? Why is there such a large percentage of the population not willing to stand and fight for their country?

 In a recent Wall Street opinion, Matthew Hennessey wrote, “One can hardly imagine Americans of yesteryear exhibiting such high levels of yellow-bellyism. Where have all the Minutemen gone? The Molly Pitchers? The Audie Murphys? The Todd Beamers? In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and 9/11, when the nation was on its knees, the call was answered without hesitation by rock-ribbed Republicans and true-blue Democrats alike. Even the turbulent Vietnam era didn’t inspire such pusillanimity. Between 1964 and 1973, 2.2 million Americans were conscripted into military service. Another 15 million were granted deferments for one reason or another. Less than 2% of those who were eligible for the draft opted to evade it, either by going underground or emigrating.”

 Cal Thomas similarly wrote, “After two generations where students in public schools and major universities seem to have been taught by mostly liberal teachers and professors that America is not an exceptional nation and is, rather, a country whose “original sin” of slavery and record wealth is an embarrassment, why would anyone want to fight to preserve sin and embarrassment? Maybe in Las Vegas they might ask where these two qualities are in abundance…If the Quinnipiac survey is accurate – and given the current cultural condition, why wouldn’t it be? – the willingness to act seems to be shrinking. Inertia can only last for so long before the power that launched it expires. We have been living off the bravery and sacrifice of ‘the greatest generation’ for some time. It must be renewed if freedom is to be extended for us and for other nations.”

 Now, some might say that love for one’s country is not something that should be a high priority. However, we must remember that it was America that stood against the Nazis. It was America that combated atheistic communism for decades. It is America that has fought the War on Terror for two decades.

 While America certainly has its issues and problems, God has used this nation as a restrainer on evil throughout the globe for many generations. If America no longer has the will or determination to stand up against the forces of evil across the globe, then trouble could be on the horizon.

 PRAY: Pray that America will continue to show the determination to combat evil throughout the globe.