what one person can do for country
By Devin Root
One may think an individual cannot accomplish much for a country , thinking if he is not in power or office , he will not be effective , but as history has shown , this is not the case . One may believe an army , a wave of protests , or a surge of inventions is the only way to storm the gates of ignorance and open the eyes of a blind nation . Still , many single , ordinary people have done for their country what seemed impossible . These people changed their country for the better even though they were seemingly insignificant individuals . Some powerful ways in which individuals throughout history strengthened their country were through the spreading of ideas , the defense of ideals , and the spreading of the gospel .
One of the most influential idealists of America was Patrick Henry , who called for revolt against tyranny . Henry grew up working with enslaved people and was one of nine children . He was probably overlooked at times , but he helped preserve the country . Fredrick Douglass later fought for abolitionist ideas . Many Northerners thought formerly enslaved people were ignorant , but Douglass became one of America ’ s greatest orators . Douglass ’ s ideas helped form the civil rights movement and encouraged other abolitionists . We can open someone ’ s eyes to the truth by spreading biblical ideas , like these individuals before us have done in service to their country .
Many people have done the most
crucial and challenging thing for their country : devote their lives to its defense . History is scattered with average individuals who helped their country on the battlefield despite their status . Joan of Arc , a French peasant , thought God had called her to lead the French against the tyrannical English . She went to defend France , but her male superiors scorned her ambition . Joan persisted and soon gained respect , becoming a revered general . She bravely defended the country ’ s borders , and her spirit stirred the French to victory . In America , Alvin York , a poor , hillbilly Tennessean , became the most decorated hero during the First World War . York had become a Christian and had first rejected fighting but later decided to serve after thought and prayer . His previous objection made him a target for jokes and tests , but York proved he was no coward and captured an entire German position .
Although it can be challenging , the most effective way to aid one ’ s country is by spreading the gospel . Martin Luther began changing Germany after God revealed the corruption to him . Luther fought against the Catholic Church and challenged the supremacy of the Pope . Luther ’ s Ninety-Five Theses started the Reformation that spread across all of Europe . Luther was debated , called a fool , and almost killed , but he transformed his country , using the Bible ’ s truth that man is saved by faith alone . Later , Englishman William Tyndale began translating the
Bible into English . Tyndale succeeded in spreading the Word until it reached commoners . As the country went from ignorance to awareness , officials arrested Tyndale . Tyndale ’ s famous last words were , “ Lord , open the King of England ’ s eyes .” After this , Henry VIII did see the Bible ’ s value and spread it abroad . Though they were common and often scorned , these men did more for their countries by spreading God ’ s Word than any emperor ever did .
One might be tempted to believe a single individual cannot aid a country , but history shows that one can . These people didn ’ t have to be powerful , popular , or political to achieve much for their country , and they didn ’ t need an army of supporters to guarantee a win . Though these few were all contested and likely doubted how they would contribute , they succeeded . Countries blossomed by their spreading of ideas , defending their country , and changing the culture by confessing Christ . We can also break through self-doubt about our insignificance and questions about our heritage and help our country , recognizing God as our leader . ■
Devin Root is a young man who is the product of a homeschool and Christian school education . Originally written in high school , this article is one of several he has written in high school and college , often promoting biblical views such as the sanctity of life and creation . Devin earned an associate ’ s degree in paralegal studies and is currently pursuing a political science degree while working as a student intern in the human resources department of an automotive component manufacturer .
20 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW