On July 4, our nation annually celebrates its independence with waving flags, picnics, and parades. Some churches deck their sanctuary with red, white, and blue; other Christians virtually ignore this and other national holidays. This raises the question, “How should a believer think about patriotism— the support of our country, and our desire to defend it against enemies or detractors, visible and invisible?”
My teen years were permeated with the Vietnam War, even as I grew up in a church atmosphere that refused any military affiliation. At the same time, I was always proud to be an American, and felt great gratitude for those who gave their lives so we can enjoy the amazing freedom that is ours.
The understanding that we’ve been transferred out of the world’s kingdom into the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a foundational tenet of Christianity. However, we still live in the world, so it’s necessary that we find the balance of living first as citizens of Heaven, even while living physically on earth.
Here are some suggestions to help us to develop a spiritually mature patriotism: Christians must reject a selfish drive for power; not blindly insisting, “my nation, right or wrong.” Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” As a Christian, I am often horrified by the increasingly overt sin embraced by American culture. I will take every opportunity to oppose evil with God’s Truth.
Christians are not to despise other nations. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to remember that Christians of all nations are brothers and sisters in Christ, and that all non-Christians need our loving witness to the Gospel. Psalm 67:1-2: “God be gracious to us; bless us, and cause Your face to shine upon us…that Your way may be known on the earth, and Your salvation among all nations.” Even as we pray for other nations, we are not to become cynical and bitter toward our own! July Fourth celebrations stir Christian patriotism, providing opportunity to review the many good things about America.
July Fourth reminds us that we live in a nation with a great history, wonderful privileges, and important responsibilities: a legacy of freedom and blessing that is worth celebrating. Romans 13:1-7 commands us to honor and obey civil authorities with gratitude and respect for the blessings of this nation; practicing discerning and sincere loyalty to the public servants who seek to do good. Political leaders who pursue a Biblical goal of godliness and civil well-being deeply need the support and prayers of God’s people.
July Fourth reminds us to do our part in the civil life of our nation. God told Jewish exiles living in godless, pagan Babylon: “Seek the welfare of this city where I’ve sent you into exile, and pray on its behalf; for in its peace, you will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7). Christians who long to live fully in God’s Kingdom correctly think of any earthly nation as temporary, but being salt and light requires involvement in the life of the land in which we live. This includes civic-mindedness as we exercise our gifts and use opportunities to bless our nation and cities of residence.
We are indebted to the sacrifices of many who have stood for freedom before us. We gratefully celebrate our national heritage with prayers for renewed faith and needed repentance. Christian patriotism prioritizes a loving witness to our Savior, the great King, Jesus Christ, the only One Who can offer true, eternal freedom.
For questions and answers: Infinite Grace Ministries P.O. Box 466 1414 Cypress drive Weatherford, OK 73096 580- 774- 2884 Facebook: Infinite Grace Ministries media use, says Tom Cooper, PhD, author of How to Clear Your Mind and Invigorate Your Life in an Age of Media Overload. “Your family will become closer, you’ll save time, sleep better, feel healthier, and probably even lose weight.”
If technology is adversely affecting communication in your family, a media journal is a good place to begin reducing screen time. Dieters track food consumption to know what and where to cut back. Beginning a family media diet by tracking usage can be quite an eye-opener. We’re often unaware how much time we spend on the internet, TV, and texting. Keeping a record of when a device being used and for how long, will give each one a better idea of how time is being spent. After logging for five days, decide as a family how you can spend more time engaging without screens.
Call 580-774-2884 to learn how to reduce technology-time, giving you more time to enjoy God and people.
