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Every July 4th, our nation celebrates its independence. Its citizens show their patriotism in waving flags, fireworks, picnics and parades. Throughout our country, Christians as well as some Christian churches, will join in the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by delegates from the thirteen colonies. But not all Christians, and not all Christian churches will do so. Some prefer to ignore this national holiday, as well as others. This leads us to the question, “How should Christians think about being patriotic?” Can Christians be for both God and country? Here are some things to ponder:
It should go without saying that our Sunday church services surrounding any national holiday should be focused on the worship of God alone. We should be thankful that in the United States we can worship freely, and we need to thank God in prayer for that blessing and the many others; but the focus of our service needs to be on Him and celebration of our heavenly citizenship, not on our country.
However, that doesn’t mean that we have to shun any show of patriotism as citizens of both heaven and the United States! Even the words of the famous document signed on this day long ago declare that God is the sovereign Ruler and Creator, and therefore has all authority.
That sovereignty is seen in Acts 17:26 which tells us,“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.” Since God has sovereignly placed each of us in the land where we reside, Christians should:
- Thank God for allowing us to live with the freedoms and benefits we have in this land!
- Play a part in the civil life of the nation, taking part in the political process afforded to us, restraining evil and working for the good of those we live amongst. Proverbs 29:2 tells us,“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”Likewise, Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
- Obey the government placed over us, as long as obeying doesn’t cause us to violate God’s Word. Romans 13:1-7 tells us “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
- Realize that in many ways our bonds with other Christians from all around the world is strong, because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, we should pray for and seek the good of other nations, as well as our own, praying for all nations to follow God’s Word, as Psalm 72:11 says, “May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!
Can Christians be for both God and country? Yes! Although we are sojourners and exiles in a strange land, waiting for our heavenly home, we can freely celebrate the nation God has placed us in, living according to the words of 1 Peter 2:13-17 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” So, go have a hot dog and don’t forget the apple pie!
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