In my last article I discussed the sin of nationalistic idolatry and how it can creep into out hearts via the guise of patriotism. I also said that there is an acceptable and healthy form of patriotism that exists for Christians who belong to the kingdom of God that does not belong to this world. My brother Nick Don suggested I write about what I believe that healthy patriotism looks like. Below are elements of that patriotism. As this is my first attempt at laying out this patriotism it's only right to warn you that this is a rough draft which will probably need improvement. By no means is this an exhaustive look at what an appropriate patriotism but rather it is a list of categories. For now, enjoy and please lend your feedback.
1. Expressing thankfulness for the blessings of that nation to God and humanity. All good gifts are from God (Luke 11:13) and we know that He is involved in our lives and has given us the authorities in his wisdom. We honor God, the authorities, and the nation as a well when we name the blessings within our nation and celebrate what is good and of God. When there is justice for the poor we rejoice, when there are times of peace, we give thanks, and so on. It's too easy to be known for what we are against and thus it is important to be consistently loud in our thanks.
2. Honoring the authorities (1 Peter 13-17). When we honor the authorities we bestow upon them respect and treat them as we would like to be treated. That means we acknowledge that God has placed them in the position of power they hold and we accept it. We speak honestly of them and appeal to their positive traits and gifts when confronting them. We do not curse them but bless them. We do not gossip or speak vulgarly of them. We are loving towards them even in spirit and silence. Most of all, we pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-3). This applies to Presidents, senators, congress-people, police officers, certain military personnel, city officials, and more. In our attitudes, words, and deeds we are to honor those in authority. We ought to pray for peace, justice, and blessings for others but never in a way that shows a favoritism for the people who live in the same nation of us over those who live and operate in/for other nations. When we respect other nations and their authorities we are patriotic as well for in such action we demonstrate a living attitude and represent the land we live in well. Living in this way helps to create the nation we desire to see develop.
3. Obeying the law as a good citizen (Romans 13). We obey the law predominantly as a consequence of the nation having laws that align with God's expectations for his people so this is rarely difficult. Of course, when the law of the land goes against what God has commanded Christians are right and even patriotic to commit civil disobedience (something the United States is founded on and has praised in retrospect several times in her history). By obeying the law we show respect and approval of the goodness of the nation's morality and obedience to God. By disobeying unjust laws with are against the Way of God we do a Godly and patriotic service by calling the authorities back to the Way of God in order that she may continue function as she was created, to be a servant for the Creator, keeping just governance over the people.
4. Pay taxes (Luke 20:20-26). There is debate over this one but scripture seems to indicate that there's no need to start a revolution when money doesn't matter too much and everything belongs to God. Give back to the emperor, king, president, what is his. In paying our taxes we are financially participating in the development (or destruction) of our nation as our authorities have demanded. Since we are people who pray and know that our prayers have a greater power in the world than our taxes we can give that money back, as asked, knowing that God is working. This is similar to obeying the law but because it is given it's own space in Jesus' teaching's I think it right to give it space here as well.
5. Loving the people within in the nation and living at peace with them. Nations are made up of people and thus it is patriotic to love the people who make up that nation. By being involved in the lives of the people around us and blessing them day to day we show that we care for the individual and for the whole nation. Some may call this micro-patriotism; small acts that show a valuing of a larger group of which the recipient of these acts is a part. It should be said that this applies in greater measure when encountering those whom we disagree with, especially when it comes to how the nation ought to function. When we love those people, who always desire to see the nation improved, it shows our great concern for how the people in our nation live by exampling that lifestyle. By creating peace among the people we show a value for the people of the nation and thus our patriotism.
6. Bearing witness to the authorities concerning the Lordship of Christ and the proper role of the authorities according to scripture. As a people who understand the function of the authorities on earth and who placed them there it is our duties (for we are indeed our brother's keeper) to do what we are able to ensure that the authorities remember they are servants of God. This does not mean we try to pass laws that force Christian morality on others but rather that we speak truth to power, keeping in contact with the authorities and reminding them with prayer, encouragement, challenge, and rebuke (when needed) that they are to govern as men and women entrusted with a great power by the Creator of all things. We remind them that they rest upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ and ought to honor him and that if they will not then they must repent. By showing the nation that we understand it's true nature and by calling it to live into it's purpose we show the upmost patriotism.
7. Being involved in the local community so that life flourishes. Shop local, attend city council meetings, write to the mayor and state officials, etc. Whether you vote or not, this is the best way to be the hands and feet of Christ in your neighborhood. By cleaning up parks, pushing city council to put a stop sign on the corner of X and 1st, coaching little league, or any other beneficial local community activity we contribute to the small part of the nation we live in. We make our homes here and thus we should seek to cultivate life here. Patriotic people are best seen in the fruits of their labor and the goodness they bring after they've lived somewhere for a while. If the neighborhoods and neighbors are changing in a way that glorifies God and makes the nation a pleasing one by the way we operate in relation to them then we are being patriotic (and good stewards). For some people this looks like being the head of public works and for others it looks like writing a letter to repave 63rd street.
Healthy patriotism is rooted in how we love and obey God. Our concern must be to love God and neighbor as imitators of Christ. When we seek to do this we will inevitably live as good citizens, even if the state will at times disagree with what a good citizen looks like. Martin Luther King Jr. is an excellent example of a patriotic Christian who was, at times, seen as a bad citizen when he was actually a supreme citizen. He changed the U.S.A. because he loved God and loved the nation and the potential she had.
We don't need to wave flags, pledge our allegiance, pick up arms, attend parades, obey the flag code of the National Anthem, buy "support our troops" bumper stickers, or even vote for the next President to be patriotic citizens of the nation we live in. In fact, some of those activities can be downright idolatrous. We can be thankful, honoring, obedient, challenging, and involved citizens without compromising our identity or values as Christian people who are firstly citizens of God's heavenly kingdom. We're foreigners where we live but that doesn't mean we can't be productive people who delight in where we've made our temporary home.
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