“Should a Christian be patriotic?”
Answer: The answer to this question depends on the meaning of the word “patriotic.” As with many words, there are different nuances of meaning, and different people use the word in different ways. For example, at its simplest meaning being patriotic simply means “loving one’s country.” As long as that love for country does not supersede one’s love for God, and if it is kept in proper perspective, there is nothing wrong with a Christian being patriotic. However, another definition of “patriotic” implies that the individual should place the interests of the nation above his or her personal and group interests. Carried to this extreme, patriotism can become a form of idolatry, particularly if one’s love for his country is greater than his love for God and God’s plan of redeeming people from “every tribe, tongue and nation.”
As far as a Christian’s responsibility towards government, we know from Romans 13:1-7 that we are to be subject to the governing authorities and to honor them, even when they are not honorable, because it is ultimately God who has placed them in authority over us. So, as Christians, we are under obligation to God to be model citizens, subject to the governing authorities over us by obeying laws, paying taxes, etc. However, our responsibilities are first and foremost to be obedient to God. In America, a democratic republic where individual citizens have the ability to change and influence government by voting or by being politically involved when appropriate and in appropriate ways, part of being a good citizen is voting and having whatever positive influence we can on government.
Human Government’s Responsibilities.
1. To Restrain Evil. (Romans 13)
How many of you have heard the statement, “You can’t legislate morality”? This is absolutely true! But there’s not a law on this earth that can make you moral! Listen we’ve got this mixed up – for too long we’ve been trying to make government make us good! Only God can do that!
Think of it this way – there’s not a law on this earth to make you love me, but there is a law to keep you from killing me!
We must get back to legislating against immorality!
May I go on the record as saying it is high time we begin saying something good about our military and our police officers across this country!
2. To Reward Good.
1 Peter 2:13, 14 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.”
3. To Promote Religious Freedom.
1st Amendment to the Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
There should be no national denomination to rule the religious thought in America!
Listen, the church is to preach the gospel and the government is to protect us from evil and tyranny – it’s that simple!
The state is not the master of the church and the church is not the master of the state. The church is the conscience of the state and salt and light in society!
In countries where Christians have no say in the decisions of their leaders, it is more difficult to be patriotic. It is very hard to love oppressive governments. However, as Christians we are still obligated to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4). God will honor our obedience to this command, and in His perfect timing, He will judge leaders who turn away from Him. Should a Christian be patriotic? Within reason, yes. At the same time, a Christian’s ultimate faith, love, and obedience are to be reserved for God alone.
Thank you for reading. I hope this helps. May God bless America!
Pastor Linzy Slayden, Friendship Baptist Church, Owasso, OK
