Yesterday was the 4th of July, a day Americans celebrate with food, fireworks and other things. Every year I find myself feeling out of place, and out of sync with most of those around me who proclaim their pride in America. That doesn’t surprise me. You see, I’m not a proud American.
Before you put me on your “Detested Persons List”, I should say I am grateful for many things about this country. It has afforded me opportunity and relative freedom. It is beautiful. It has many benefits provided by our taxes—and unlike many proud Americans around me, I never complain about paying those taxes.
So, why am I not a proud American?
First, those of us who belong to the Lord have been warned about the “pride” part. The Bible says God is opposed to the proud. But I can hear the objection from Christian Americans: “Isn’t it a good thing to be proud of your country?”
No. Unless there is a caveat in the scripture that says “…except when you’re proud of being an American”.
This isn’t a figure of speech, or a suggestion. It’s a statement of where we stand with God when we adopt pride.
So, being a “proud” American, for a Christian, is just a bad idea.
But it doesn’t stop there. Those of us who belong to the Lord need to answer a simple question about identity. Are we Americans who are Christian, or Christians who live in America? I have found I have to be a Christian. My American citizenship is nice, but its primary value should be for how it can benefit my real country–the Kingdom of God.
The Bible also says that those of us who belong to the Lord are strangers in a strange land. We don’t belong here. Our citizenship is in heaven.
Also not a figure of speech.
We can debate the implications of this, but however we apply it, we have to take it seriously. I grew up in an environment where many claimed to be Christian, but were Americans—their allegiance was first and foremost to this country, and they obeyed the Lord if—and only if—doing so didn’t conflict with their American identity.
Some would say this isn’t a problem. I’m making too much of this. Christians in America surely can rest easy. Our allegiance to our earthly country won’t conflict with our allegiance to God. But history is full of examples where people believed that. And reading that history we shake our heads wondering how they couldn’t see the problem.
If our faith is real, we have to be vigilant. Not against worldly enemies or political powers or policies. But against our own tendency to equate “good” with “us”, and to be proud that we’re Americans.
Randy, some pretty good thoughts there. I've been kind of on the same boat for the last few years…and even have a little trouble (in my own little head) when I go to a church service and there on the "stage" is an American flag. Seems a little out of place now. I mean, can you imagine the early church holding a mass, and flying the flag of the Roman Empire? Like you said, citizenship in two different places, and I don't think the two should mix…unless we are looking for a theocracy.
Another point i consider when i hear people discuss "the biblilcal roots" of this nation. When they launch into that speech, rarely do I hear them deal with this from the bible: "submit to the authorities, for they have been placed there by God." I didn't read, "if you are being oppressed, or highly taxed, or even crucified, protest, fight, and begin a new nation! And by the same token, start your own church(es), too!" Though I grew up as one of the most "patriotic" folks you would eve meet, these days I do think if I were living 235 years ago, I would probably be a loyalist…
Just some thoughts not meant for debate, just sayin'…(as they say) : )
Tad, thanks for your thoughts. I don't usually talk about the American Revolution (pick your battles principle) but I have to agree with you. Everything I see in the scripture tells me that "Christians" (we have to remember that many if not most of the early American fathers were deists) do not rebel. They *may* resist if obeying involves disobeying God (choose for yourselves whether it is right to obey God or man), but rebellion just doesn't seem justifiable for a Christian. On a little lighter note, I was taken to task a few years ago about the fact that we don't have an American flag here (someone figured that out when they wanted it for a funeral and we didn't have one). When pressed, I agreed that we could have the American flag if we put a "Christian" flag next to, and above it. The response was that it was just wrong to put anything above the American flag, so we shouldn't put one up at all.