Millions of immigrants have voted with their feet on this question. From the shores of Ellis Island to the deserts of the American Southwest, people have both legally and illegally sought to enter this nation for its promise of freedom and economic advancement. While regimes of repression have historically put up walls to keep their people from leaving, America has had to regulate the flow of people into its rich and abundant land.

There is no question the United States has been one of the most blessed countries. Supplies of food bearing the U.S. flag continually stream toward nations that are ravaged by war, famine and misguided governments. America is the richest and most powerful economy in today's global market. Daily closings on Wall Street impact world markets long after the close of each trading day. Foreign firms eagerly seek to distribute their wares on the shelves of American retail stores.

No other nation can match the military might of the United States. Many of its weapons are technically superior to anything produced by other international powers. American force can be projected anywhere in the world with deadly efficiency. And when the battle is over, America is historically the only great power to return home without taking any territorial advantages. After World War II U.S. largesse rebuilt enemy homelands with Marshall Plan dollars and democratic ideas. Winston Churchill called it the single greatest humanitarian effort in history.

No question, America is rich, blessed and powerful. But is it "the greatest" nation?

To answer the question, let's turn to the Bible and see what God says makes a nation great. His standards on the subject give an overlooked perspective.

In Deuteronomy we have the instruction God gave to Israel that defines greatness in a people. "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers is giving you. You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you... Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?" (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8.)

True greatness in a people is rooted in obedience to the law of God. To reach the biblical definition of greatness and the full measure of blessing it entails, a nation must enshrine the commandments of God and treat them as inviolate. When God restores His righteous rule to this earth, the nations will consult with a renewed Israel and learn of God's law (Micah 4:2). In that day all nations will be great, as they learn and live the way of God. WNP