Articles
Patriotism
Patriotism
Cecil May, Jr.
I am a patriot. It is a blessing to be an American. I believe Americas is an exceptional country. No other nation ever won a great war at such terrible price and then generously rebuilt its enemies. If some later wars have been mistakes, they were mistakes of the head, not of the heart. America’s motives have never been “colonial,” seeking to acquire territory. Our intent has been good.
My heart swells when our flag waves. I am on my feet at the first strains of our National Anthem. My song and prayer are, “God bless America.”
I am also aware, however, that I belong to higher and greater kingdom. I am a citizen of heaven – Philippians 3:20.
America is not “God’s people.” Israel is a beleaguered nation and her enemies for the most part are our enemies, but the modern state of Israel is not “God’s people.” The church of Christ, consisting of people redeemed by the blood of Christ from every tribe, race, clan and tongue, comprises “God’s people.”
There are staunch Americans who are not Christians, and there are faithful Christians who are not Americans. A child of God in India, Nigeria, France or Ukraine has a greater claim on our brotherhood than an American who is not a Christian.
To Christians Scripture says, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. That you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9, 10).
I love America and I am blessed to be an American, but I belong to Christ and to His kingdom.
