Though it is an important question I’m not here seeking to answer whether the American Revolution was justified, or if it fell afoul of the command in Romans 13 that we submit to governing authorities. Rather I’m asking a couple more subtle questions. First, if patriotism ever proper for a believer and second, is it proper in our nation that is so radically in rebellion against the living God.
As is so often the case, how we define our terms ultimately answers our question. Can a Christian, while recognizing an overarching loyalty to the kingdom of God, acknowledge God’s grace in blessing his place of origin? Of course. Who would ever say otherwise? Can a Christian proclaim absolute fealty to a fallen nation? Of course not. The answer is somewhere in the middle. I feel a sense of loyalty to my country, and a gratitude for God having placed me here. I also feel a sense of loyalty to the homes of my ancestors, Ireland and Scotland and gratitude to God for the grace He has shown those nations over the centuries. None of which, however, is worthy to be compared to my loyalty to and gratitude for being brought into Christ’s kingdom by His blood shed for me. My people are the citizens of His kingdom.
Should we, however, be grateful to be American when America, as a nation, has turned its back on God’s good gifts of liberty and on God Himself? Again, defining our terms answers our question. Can a Christian, while acknowledging that our nation has never been close to perfect, was built by generations of faithful Christians seeking to live out their faith, and so give thanks? Can a Christian acknowledge that, however weakly we may have lived up to our ideals, ours is a nation founded on godly ideals of liberty? Of course we can. Can a Christian, however, hoot and holler about how wonderful our nation is when abortion remains legal in every state, perverts parade in our streets, when we are the world’s leading producer and consumer of pornography? Of course not. Pretending that this nation is what it once was is sheer folly and a failure to honor the Lord.
Christians are called, at all times, to repent for our failures, both individual and corporate, and to give thanks for His grace, both individual and corporate. As citizens of these United States, looking back over our history, we have more to be thankful for than any other nation. Looking over our current cultural landscape, however, we may well have more to repent for than any other nation. I suggest we, on Independence Day, acknowledge our dependence on His grace, that we give thanks and repent with equal vigor. I suggest we no longer rebel against Him who reigns and instead seek His blessing. I suggest that as we sing Stars and Stripes forever that we rest in His scars and stripes forever. God bless the USA.
Celebrate the good, shun the evil.
It was proper for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, as officials, to actively participate in the affairs of the kingdom of Babylon. Even though Israel/Judah was in rebellion, and Babylon was the rod God used to chastise and punish His rebellious people.
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel 6:10
I believe Daniel had no second thoughts about praying to his God, even when he knew the consequences, he would be lunch for the lions. His loyalty to God took precedence in his life. Nothing came between his duty to God, and certainly not a decree signed by a king. Before this event, his priorities were in place, his study of the Scriptures, his prayers, and all duties were aligned, thus, no matter what he did in the King’s realm or business, everything was subservient, obedient to God’s law, and no edict from any man, official, or King, could make Daniel violate his loyalty, nor allow it to come between him and God.
I believe we should do likewise.
Well said