How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news! This is the good news of peace and salvation. It is the news that the God of Israel reigns! (Isaiah 52:7 NLT)

The search for balance between Christian faith and love for the country can be daunting. The relationship between faith and patriotism …, allegiance to both the Christian faith and the nation. How do we reconcile these two aspects of identity?

My spirit has been grieved. I witness the controversy and constant media attention given to the ongoing conflict between the President and the NFL. Additionally, a Texas pastor made a comment. He stated, “These players ought to be thanking God. They live in a country where they’re free to earn millions of dollars every year. They’re also free from the worry of being shot in the head for taking a knee. This is unlike the situation in North Korea.”¹

This was the beginning of my search for understanding of how being a Christian relates to patriotism for our country.  I sensed a tug of war in my spirit. I have a burden and special affection for those in the household of faith. I also care deeply for all ethnicities and the future of our nation. With so many pressing issues (e.g., devastation in Puerto Rico, health care and tax reform, North Korea, etc.) on the table what should take precedence and is this just a distraction?

Can we find some middle-ground between these differing views? Merriam-Webster defines ‘middle ground’ as “a standpoint or area midway between extreme or opposing positions, options, or objectives.”

Despite the fact that both of these positions merit consideration, in all fairness, I wanted to understand Christianity vs. patriotism and how white evangelical Christians became so enthralled in linking their faith with American politics.  As an American, I was born and raised during racial segregation in the 60’s. I believe that respecting our country’s principles is important. Yet, my concern as a Christian is what the Bible says about patriotism. I have seen so many questionable comments posted on social media.

As Christians, we follow the command in Scriptures to love the Lord your God with all your heart.  We also must love Him with all your soul and mind. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:36-40).  

Name calling never honors God and forcing others to do something, will never change anything.  What makes this country great is that we do have “freedom of speech.” The First Amendment of the United States Constitution declares, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. It shall not prohibit the free exercise of it. It shall not abridge the freedom of speech, or of the press. It shall not abridge the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the Government for a … Freedom of Speech means that someone’s right to say something is protected within certain limits.

The Bible does not answer every question we have about the Christian faith and patriotism. Still, the Scriptures are clear that we are to honor those in authority in our country (Romans 13). This has less to do with politics. It is about the general principle that Christians are to show honor and respect. Christians are also to pray for those in positions of authority regardless of race or ethnicity (Romans 13:7). When we live according to the flesh, this seems difficult to do. It feels challenging when our feelings and emotions are involved. It also becomes hard when we have opposing opinions and beliefs.

The Bible tells us that we are aliens and strangers in this land (James 1:1; 1 Peter. 2:11). We must honor and support our civil rulers. We should seek the prosperity of the city, state, and nation in which we dwell. But we must always remember that “our citizenship is in heaven.” Although we are citizens of a particular nation, we are also citizens of heaven. That is where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. (Philippians 3:20). We are “pilgrims, sojourners, foreigners and exiles” in this land (1 Peter 2:11). Our true citizenship is in Heaven.  We are in the world, but we are not supposed to be of the world (John 17:15–19).

We show our thankfulness to God for the opportunity to live in a free and prosperous nation. Yet our allegiance is to Jesus Christ should come first!  We do not have to agree with our leaders, but we should never slander or disrespect them. We should pray that God gives them wisdom. We also pray He grants them insight and courage as they guide the nation “for our good” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Jesus Christ is the “name that is above every name.” “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” “Every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Our first loyalty is always to God. Sometimes this results in conflict with the governing authorities. We should remember that we are representatives of God’s Kingdom on earth. Galatians 6:10 says, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” We should especially do good to those who belong to the family of believers.”

GOD is LOVE! GOD is our KING, not man. His kingdom is our final allegiance.  His Word is our final authority. We should be thankful He has given this land to us freely. Many “fine” people, Black, White, Hispanic, and so forth paid a high price to preserve our land with its freedoms.

We are citizens of heaven before we are earthly patriots. Jesus is the King of Kings; our allegiance should be to him first and foremost. Our love for God is primary!

Notes:

1. Media Matters Staff. (2017, September 17). TFox contributor: NFL protesters “ought to be thanking God” they’re “free from the worry of being shot in the head for taking a knee”. Media Matters for America. https://www.mediamatters.org/fox-friends/fox-contributor-nfl-protesters-ought-be-thanking-god-theyre-free-worry-being-shot-head