"O Say Can You See . . . "
How patriotic are you? Perhaps one of these describes your patriotic disposition:
“I Love My Country!”
“Old Glory Flies Over The Land of the Free!”
“These Colors Don’t Run!”
“Thanks To All The Armed Forces For The Freedom We Enjoy!”
There is certainly nothing wrong with loving and appreciating one’s country. I know individuals who regularly tear up during most U.S. flag ceremonies. Put that flag on a horse during rodeo time? Forget about it—the tears will flow freely.
Hey, great! Enjoy.
The issue of patriotism is quite complex for many of you, however. You may be thankful for the freedoms you enjoy, yet not feel the same bond with the U.S. flag as those who were born in this country. You may feel conflicted about the flag that flies in your home country of Vietnam.
I have challenged myself to consider what it truly means to love one's country and the people you call your own. For some, we may feel as if we are pulled by two different countries. You may feel sometimes that you are a person without a country.
I believe we can revel in celebration on Friday, seeing parades, flying flags, watching fireworks, and chomping down on hotdogs and apple pie. What a great and enjoyable celebration of citizenship. What a cool display of patriotism. What a fun way to show our appreciation for all the benefits of living in the good old U.S. of A!
If that’s as far as you want to go with me on this one, that’s fine. Thank God for these blessings. Right on. Amen.
If you want a challenge, read further.
Does not love for one’s countrymen also include the dedication to connect them with the Gospel in some way? I believe it does. On the occasion of our fine nation’s independence, give consideration to your involvement in connecting the Gospel to your country—your people. Pray for those who don’t yet believe. Pray for opportunities to share Jesus with them. Ask God for strength and direction as you actively connect people with God’s Good News.
Too often we have drunk the kool-aid of a worldly mindset. Too often has our selfishness shown our true colors. Too often has our sinfulness become evident to ourselves . . . and others. Our sin had arranged for our hell-bound immigration. But our Savior God excluded us from this punishment by enduring it himself in our place. You and I have been re-directed in our immigration process . . . heavenward.
So now you can take this patriotism concept to a whole new level: a heavenly level.
In Philippians, God inspired Paul to decry those whose minds is on earthly things. “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.” However, we have a higher calling—a higher citizenship:
“But our citizenship is in heaven.
And we eagerly await a Savior from there,
the Lord Jesus Christ.”
--Philippians 3:20
Sins forgiven, we know our citizenship ties are strongest to our Loving Savior and heaven--the very place from where we await Him.
God bless your celebration of your citizenship . . . of every kind and stripe!
Blessings on your week!
--Pastor Dan