When Patriotism Becomes and Idol
On the Fourth of July we celebrate the birth of the United States of America. Many families will spend the day at the lake or beach grilling hot dogs and hamburgers. We are far from perfect and there are dark spots on our past and even our present but I still believe we are one of the best countries in the world.
The Fourth of July is the perfect time to remember the men and women who gave their very life so we might live in a free nation. Patriotism is very important. Our nation was built on many Christian principles so it is easy to associate the life of a patriot with that of a Christian. Sadly many go too far and blur the division lines thinking that being a patriot and a Christian are the same thing. Many go even farther lifting up the love of country as something even greater. Somehow they think if they love the nation they love God. Patriotism becomes their idol. Our Constitution is a remarkable document but our Bible should be the primary guiding light in our life.
One thing that happens is we view those with different political beliefs as an enemy who is seeking the destruction of our country. We think the political arena is the only way to keep our nation strong.
Just last week I ran a across a tweet by a person who identified himself as a Bishop. He railed against our current President speaking his desire for him to be torn from office. I guess he missed the scripture that says we are to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3). It says to pray for, not against. The Bible also teaches us we do not war against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).
Our battle over our nation is a spiritual battle and it will never be won in the political arena. Laws will never change the darkness of a man’s heart. Only God can do that.
This is not a post trying to defend being a Republican or a Democrat. There are lot of problems on both sides. Power and control are evil task masters. No matter if you line up with the right or the left, the other side is not your enemy. If you view them as an enemy how will share with them the gospel?
Ask yourself, do you care more about convincing someone of your political views or sharing the love of Christ with those you disagree with?
This Fourth of July
- Take time to remember the great men and women who birthed our nation.
- Pray for our President. Pray he will be lead and moved by the Holy Spirit as he leads
- Pray for political leaders who don’t line up with your ideology
- If need be, pray you would no longer see others as enemies but as someone created in the image of God and who desperately needs the saving grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
I love my country but I hope I love Jesus Christ a whole lot more. Laws are necessary but the most important thing is not that my political side has control but that I can die to my own selfish desires and live my life totally and completely for the glory of God.
The day will come when we all stand before God. When that day comes I don’t think we will care too much if we are Republican or Democrat but that we are Christian and lived a life loving our neighbor, praying for our enemies and making Christ known.
photo credit: Geoff Livingston Jefferson Memorial via photopin (license)
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