July 4th is not a holiday of the church. Afterall, you cannot open the Bible and point to a verse that declares Christians should be patriotic. Though people will often abuse the Scriptures and force the concepts into their thinking and religious practice as if it were. For the last 70 years, the phrase, “God and Country” has been passionately promoted by well-meaning Catholics and Protestants. However, true Christianity and common patriotism are not synomous. It is dangerous to mix the two without discretion. We risk muddling the message, the values and ethics can sometimes be in conflict. As an American citizen, we would do well to consider which is the more powerful influence in our lives, our faith, or our love of country? Or unchecked, we risk becoming guilty of idolatry.
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is inscribed with a partial quote of Leviticus 25:10, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” In context, this verse is instruction to Israel concerning the fifty-year celebration called Jubilee. This was a season when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and the mercies of Yahweh were put into hard practice. It was a time of cleansing, of coming together, and renewed focus on the covenant. Why? Like all Hebrew observances, governance had to be returned to the rightful Sovereign. Israel was a theocracy, meaning God was in charge, not men. Their allegiance was to a covenant with God, not to each other. Godly principles of mercy and grace were recognized but it was not a celebration of individual rights. Our nations forefathers liked the ring of the phrase in the Old Testament passage, so it was inscribed for posterity’s sake.
I love my country and I am sure you do as well. However, it has been a while since I have had confidence in my nation’s government. The motto, “In God We Trust” inscribed on our currency is an ideal and not a reality for me. I am reminded that true love cannot be blind, it must be sighted and honest. So, on patriotic holidays I am reminded of the prayer burden that as a Christian I must carry. The Apostle Paul too expressed a love for the people of his country, but he understood they were lost and displeasing to God (Romans 9:3). He continued to petition in prayer on behalf of the nation. He loved them though they opposed his preaching.
Our national flag honors our military and their sacrifice. It also gives homage to the ideal that elected representatives govern supposedly in the best interest of the people. I believe wholeheartedly that this is the best form of human government there is. I pray earnestly for a greater Christian influence on those we elect to leads us. But warn, democracy has never saved anyone and never will. Remain sober on this one tenet, we are called to love our enemies and evangelize the world even beyond our borders. A distorted version of patriotism, deemed nationalism, can get in the way of this holy charge. A Christian fully immersed in demonizing politics is in great danger of becoming a confused misrepresentation of the gospel.
It is hard to not write too much further on this here and risk being misunderstood. For me, my faith, and my patriotism intersect around the emotion of gratefulness. God has blessed the USA with a history where faith can be practiced openly and without interference. We have enjoyed the greatest form of freedom in human history, because of Divine Providence. God has been patient and merciful to the United States. Secular historians will never agree with my final statement. God has taken this benevolent position because He is providing for His elect that call it home. For that I am grateful. “God has shed His grace on thee.”
davidwpierce 