Give Thanks For America

We have come to that time again. No, not time for barbeques, fireworks, or celebrating with family. We’ve come to the time where pastors from all over the theological spectrum publish or preach their warnings against loving America. They will do this in an attempt to keep their particular brand of Christianity palatable to as many people as possible – including Americans who have been indoctrinated to hate their country.

Yes, some churches will transform their Lord’s Day services from God-focused worship gatherings into services that worship of country, freedom, or American heroes. This is wrong, potentially dangerous, and puts the proverbial cart before the horse. If Christ isn’t the focus, it’s not a Christian worship service.

Yet it is likely that even more churches will be subjected to calls to squelch any and all expressions of patriotism or pride in the United States or what she stands for. Some preachers will hold present citizens accountable for past wrongs, insisting America is irreparably tainted and not worthy of respect or honor. These preachers will throw out the baby with the bathwater because they hate both the baby and the bathwater.

Some preachers will virtue signal, being quick to point out that America has often failed to live up to its proclaimed values, failing to draw the connection between American values and the God they originate from. They have bought into the progressive lie that to revere one’s nation necessitates a lesser reverence for the Lord.

American Christians (actual believers, not just self-defined) rightly understand that the founding principles of the country find their truth and their authority in the Creator Himself. We respect and honor our nation not because it is a “Christian nation” by any definition, but because we enjoy the blessings of being citizens of a country whose law of the land finds its truth in God’s truth. We live our Christian faith out in the open, and gladly recognize and acknowledge the righteousness of what America stands for. We understand that our political ideology should be yet another part of our lives that proclaims the moral character of God, and will vocally support our country when it stands for righteousness, challenge our nation’s leaders (fellow citizens) when they promote unrighteousness and lament the abject wickedness of laws and fellow citizens who stand opposed to God.

We carry the stars and stripes proudly, knowing that it is God who institutes civil authorities and thankful that He has gifted us with a society that (by and large) respects our public worship of Jesus Christ. While other countries are re-locking down due to the latest viral scare, Americans are recommitting to the principles of God-given freedom. This is a legacy we have inherited, and a gift God has given and can take away. Display the stars and stripes in your church as a symbol that your love for country is founded in your love for God and his righteousness.

Love your country because God instituted it. Love your country because it stands in opposition to the evils of being ruled by anyone other than God Himself. Love your country because its founding and system of law reflect scriptural principles. Love your country because you worship God and this nation is a privilege given by Him.

Celebrate your independence from being ruled by men, and that God has seen fit to make it easier for you to proclaim your true independence from the grip of sin – freedom won by the blood of Christ. Give this freedom back to the Lord by fearlessly proclaiming salvation in Jesus Christ.