 There’s a trend these days among colleges and citizens of the U.S., as well as Christians, to bad-mouth our nation as if it is nothing more than evil, oppressive, and not even worth preserving. Some Christian churches have even removed the American flag from their property, believing that it is inappropriate to display the flag at a church, either because they believe it is “worshipping” the nation over God or out of the belief that it confuses people into thinking we are “Christian nationalists” who make our motto “God, Guns, and Glory.” Others profess, “It’s either God or country, but not both.” (I wonder if they feel that way about their spouse or children—it’s either God or them?) I certainly acknowledge that the U.S. is not perfect, and I understand that some will associate “God and country” so closely together that they mistakenly put the nation on the same level as God. That doesn’t mean, however, that our nation and flag must be thrown out; to do that seems to me like “throwing out the baby with the bathwater.” Is it possible for Christians to thank God for their country, seeing the American flag as a token of gratitude for the nation in which we live? I believe it is.
In the Bible we gain insights into eternal principles, that while applying first to those to whom these Scriptures were originally given, apply to any nation whose people submit to the Lord as their King of kings. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Certainly, God still blesses nations as people acknowledge him. Jeremiah 29:7 states: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Peace and prosperity come to any location where God is present through his people--not just the U.S., but also not excluding the U.S. The Apostle Paul recognizes the reality of nations and boundaries when he states, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands” (Acts 17:26). The fact that there are nations is not necessarily a bad thing. We recognize the reality that some leaders are good while others are bad, but Paul gives us a principle of doing our very best to cooperate with our leaders when we can, and to lift them up before God: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Followers of Jesus acknowledge that God has called us to worship him above all else and that our congregations are filled with brothers and sisters from other nations all around the world. We acknowledge that God blesses Christians in all nations. However, we are commanded to pray for and be thankful for the nation in which we live. We are to pray for those in authority, and that we may live holy and godly lives in peace, as well as for the prosperity of the nation in which we live. There is nothing wrong with being thankful for the beauty and bounty of this land in which we reside, and we certainly can be thankful for the founding fathers of America, many who expressed Christian allegiance and Biblical worldview. We should be, and are, thankful for the brave men and women who have sacrificed that we may live in liberty and freedom: We are free to pray, to worship, and to share the gospel with others. The American flag represents the people of the United States of America, and none have ever been nor currently are perfect in carrying out their moral responsibility to live as God would have us; but I for one will continue to pray for peace and prosperity for the United States and that we would be “a nation whose God is the Lord.” May more and more give their utmost loyalty to Jesus. Happy Fourth of July! Tyler
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