Our president has stirred a major controversy in our nation within the first week of his term of office. In an executive order on immigration, he has created a whirlwind of activity from both sides of the political spectrum. The executive order stops all refugee immigration for a period of 120 days. President Trump also stopped all persons from coming from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for the next 90 days. How are we to respond to this order? Or, more specifically for this article, how are Christians to respond?

I can only answer that question for me, so the following remarks are not representative of anyone else. I would like to begin by making a few observations.

First, President Trump is only doing what he said he would do. Even though he did not give specifics as to how it would be done, he had made clear in his run for the Republican presidential nomination that he would make changes which would affect immigration and refugee policy. So, no one should have been caught off guard when he quickly addressed this issue.

Second, I don’t think anyone would argue the point that immigration and refugee policy needed to be revisited and revamped. Far too many illegals are in this country, having never been properly vetted. This presents a plethora of problems for our nation. Many Americans are out of work because of so many illegals in the work force. This creates a grave danger to the citizens of the United States because it opens the door for terrorist cells to come in undetected.

Third, we need to recognize the fact that the tremendous influx of Muslims into this nation has created a very serious and dangerous plight for our nation. It is obvious that the population swell of those who practice the religion of Islam are not interested in becoming part of American culture. Rather, they desire to eventually replace American culture with the culture of Islam. They do not want to embrace the American way of life, but rather they want to  impose their way of life on us. Their ultimate desire is to make America another Islamic state.

When we review American history, and realize that our nation was founded on the principle of religious freedom, we understand that all adherents to all religions and religious beliefs and practices are welcome here. However, we also understand that this nation was built upon the principles of the Christian faith, and those principles would be the guiding force behind our government. Therefore, American culture was intended to be a Christian culture. All others are welcome, and wanted, with the understanding that when you come to make this nation your home, you come with full knowledge of our cultural beliefs and practices.

Bottom line, when you come to America you should come with the intent of being American. No, you don’t have to embrace the Christian religion for your personal faith choice. But, you don’t come with the expectation to force your culture and religious practices on the American people.

So, we do have a dilemma. As Christians we must understand that there are multitudes of people in other countries who are in dire need of aid. We need to understand that Jesus Himself ministered to the outcasts and unwanted of His day. But He also warned of those who would try to use any type of force to destroy the truth that He came to share. That truth is summed up in Jesus’ own words: “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except through Me.” You see, Jesus Himself drew the line in the sand.

As Americans, we understand that we are the melting pot of the world. We understand that there are those who now call the United States home who have vastly different beliefs and practices than those of us who have been reared in this great country. And, we understand that they came here to make a better life for themselves. What we ask of them is to become one of us. Adopt the American dream. Adapt to the American way of life.

I, for one, applaud President Trump’s desire to keep America safe. He has an enormous weight of responsibility upon his shoulders. Let’s support him with our prayers, asking that God would grant him the wisdom to make the best decisions possible for everyone involved in this serious matter.