PATRIOTSM AND THE BIBLE
Throughout the year when we as Americans celebrate a lot of things that have to do with our nation, such as, The 4th of July, our day of independence, labor day memorial day, veterans day, flag day and so on. On most if not all of these days we celebrate by playing patriotic music, and flying as many flags as we can, praying for our nation and our veterans.
Why do we do this? Is it so that we can look good? Maybe it’s so that you can feel better about yourselves. It could be that you are trying to look like a good American. Lastly I think that it is mainly because we love this great land. My father used to tell me that we here in America have the worst form of government in the world, except for all the rest.
We call this love for our nation PATRIOTSM. I think that it is good to honor your nation but is it scriptural to do that.
Now a patriot is a person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country and its interests with devotion.
A person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the federal government.
I personally don’t like everything our president is doing and I think that we all could say that about every president, but some people will look at you as weird if you were to talk bad about President Obama. But I have a question, does it really matter what people think when it comes to when it comes to honoring God?
I Think yes it does matter especially if you are a true Christian.
The bible is actually quite clear about what a true Christian’s relationship to the world should be. I say “True Christian” because not everyone who professes Christianity is a “True Christian”.
Matthew 7:21-23Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into thekingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
As you can see you can’t take the word of just anyone saying that they are a Christian or that they are patriotic.
Believe it or not, we are taught not to take everyone at their word.
1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Mat 7:15 Bewareoffalse prophets,whichcometoyouinsheep'sclothing,butinwardlytheyareraveningwolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shallknowthembytheirfruits.Do mengathergrapesofthorns,orfigsofthistles?
Mat 7:17 Even soeverygoodtreebringeth forthgoodfruit;butacorrupttreebringeth forthevilfruit.
Mat 7:18 Agoodtreecannotbring forthevilfruit,neithercanacorrupttreebring forthgoodfruit.
Mat 7:19 Everytreethatbringeth not forthgoodfruitishewn down,andcastintothefire.
Mat 7:20 Whereforebytheirfruitsyeshallknowthem.
Mat 7:21 Notevery onethat saithuntome,Lord,Lord,shallenterintothekingdomofheaven;buthe that doeththewillofmyFatherwhichisinheaven.
Mat 7:22 Manywillsaytomeinthatday,Lord,Lord,havewenotprophesiedinthynameandinthynamehavecast outdevils?andinthynamedonemanywonderful works?
Mat 7:23 AndthenwillIprofessuntothem,Ineverknewyou:departfromme,ye that workiniquity.
Mat 7:24 Thereforewhosoeverheareththesesayingsofmine,anddoeththem,Iwilllikenhimuntoawiseman,whichbuilthishouseuponarock:
Mat 7:25 Andtheraindescended,andthefloodscame,andthewindsblew,andbeat
Now let’s go back to the question, but is it scriptural to do that? To be patriotic, Showing a love for the nation where God has placed you. I believe it is and here’s why.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12).
"Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 144:15).
The real question facing every “True Christian” is: Who’s kingdom are you going to serve? Whose kingdom are you going to Love? Whose kingdom are you going to be loyal to?
You only have 2 choices God’s kingdom or Satan’s
True patriotism is not atheism based. True patriotism that lasts and goes deeply to the heart has its endurable foundation when resting on trust in the God of all history.
Atheism believes there is nothing but the material. Therefore, how can such "faith" sustain a penetrating patriotism toward America?
Agnosticism has no base certainty therefore it is just as bankrupt regarding genuine patriotism as atheism.
The biblical believer as citizen of this remarkable country yearns daily for a God-fearing populace. That believer intercedes for this nation, its leaders, its future. That believer researches Scripture for divine wisdom in how to better serve America.
Numberless organizations and committees are now operating for the good of America's citizens solely on the drive of a biblical faith.
You see God has put each and every one of us in this great nation. We should not only be loyal to our country but loyal to our homeland. Our homeland being heaven, if you are a true Christian. After all, if we call ourselves a Christian then we should be loyal (patriotic) to our heavenly father and the land in which we will posses someday. We show our patriotism to the USA but do we truly show it to Jesus and his kingdom. After all, this world is not our home, If we are loyal to this great nation then we should be even more loyal to God and his kingdom because that is our land to possess and as I read earlier
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12).
"Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 144:15).
Yes it is scriptural to be patriotic to both God and country.
The biblical believer as citizen of this remarkable country yearns daily for a God-fearing populace. That believer intercedes for this nation, its leaders, its future. That believer researches Scripture for divine wisdom in how to better serve America.
What is so encouraging is that all of this dates back to our founding patriots. They read the Bible. They prayed to the Lord of the Word. They worshipped that God. They taught their children the precepts of that Word. They molded the laws and institutions of America on the biblical ethic. They dreamed of this country's future years being blessed by the God of holy writ.
What a heritage the present-day patriot has. What a treasure we have alongside us to counsel our decisions in this complicated time.
Yes, America's true patriotism is God-based for it is totally reliant on His provisions for our liberties to continue.