Why Outward Appearances Aren’t Enough
In today’s America, it’s common to hear people talk about God or see public displays of faith. We have references to God on our money, prayers at major events, and churches on almost every corner. On the surface, it might look like our nation is deeply committed to God and His ways.
But if we take a closer look at our culture, politics, and even many aspects of our religion, something doesn’t quite add up. There’s a saying, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” In simple terms, this means looking religious or moral on the outside, but not letting God truly change our hearts and actions.
Our entertainment often celebrates things that go against the teachings of Jesus. Political leaders may use religious language, but their actions sometimes reflect division, pride, or selfishness—far from the love and humility that Jesus taught. Even in churches, it’s possible to focus more on rules, appearances, or traditions than on truly following God’s principles.
The kingdom of God is about more than just looking good or saying the right words. It’s about living with love, justice, mercy, and humility. It’s about caring for the poor, being honest, seeking peace, and treating others with respect—no matter their background. These are the core values that Jesus talked about and lived out.
If we really want to reflect God’s kingdom in America, we need to do more than just put on a show of godliness. We need to let God transform our attitudes, our decisions, and how we treat one another. True righteousness starts in the heart and is shown by our actions. Let’s aim to be a nation that doesn’t just talk about God, but actually lives out His ways every day.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 