Memorial Day Tension
- 05.22.09
- America, God's Kingdom, Politics, Thankfulness, Allegiance to God
- 6 Comments
It’s Memorial Day weekend. A time when people zonk out, camp out, cook out, and remember. It’s a weekend when we remember those who have sacrificed so much for our country. As an American, I am truly thankful for the sacrifice of the men and women who have made it possible for me to live the life I live.
As part of my sermon this weekend, I’ll talk about some of the people in other countries who are being oppressed and persecuted for being Christians. I’m mindful that it’s because of the sacrifice of men and women before me who have secured for me a country where we I’m allowed to freely practice my faith. For that, I am truly thankful to them.
However, as much as I love my country and as much as I’m thankful for the freedom that others have secured for me, as a Christian, I feel torn this weekend. As a matter of fact, I feel torn most of the time. The Scriptures say that this world (including my country) is not my home. My citizenship, the Scriptures say, is in another Kingdom. Not in the kingdom of the United States, but in the Kingdom of God. Therefore, I’m torn.
My allegiance, the Scriptures say, is to be pledged to God, not to the American flag. My ruler is ultimately to be the King of Kings, not the kings of America. My money is to be used to further God’s Kingdom; my time is to be spent building God’s Kingdom; and my mind is to be utilized for strategic Kingdom of God thinking.
Unfortunately, I’m living in a time when the Kingdom of God is often equated to the kingdom of America. Pledging allegiance to the flag and pledging allegiance to God have been reduced to the same thing. Patriotism to America is seen by many in the church today as a Christian requirement. It’s as if the church has bought into the idea that loving God and loving America are one in the same. And this is where the tension lies.
I’m glad to be an American, and I truly enjoy the benefits that come with my citizenship here. My name has been registered for the military draft now for 21 years, and I faithfully pay my taxes! But, I can not allow myself to be sucked into the prominent thinking in the church today that patriotism to America is a requirement of being a Christian. The Scriptures make it clear that my allegiance can only be to one thing, and as a Christian, it must be to God.
I too benefit from the many who have defended our country. We remember them and pray for those and their families who defend us even now. Yet…
If patriotism is expected in the USA churches, how would / do we feel about patriotism preached in Christian churches of other countries?
Let us remember also THE ONE who died to secure our citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Leon
I taught my adult children about the blessings of living in a country like no other–one that was founded on ideas. I still believe that we are blessed and I do not take my freedoms for granted or the sacrifices that have been made and the lives lost in the securing of these freedoms. But, I too, am reevaluating how I perceive my place in this world as a believer. Jesus has come. After 9/11 a family left FH’s because Rob would not fly the flag over the church. I was sad to see them go, but the Church must transcend national loyalties. We are the church of Jesus Christ. We serve a king-The King of kings. As I read my Bible with searching eyes and a heart that desires to read anew the words of my King, I am realizing that I have often read through a grid that may have blinded me to that which Jesus is calling us. America is unique among nations. I am grateful to be an American. But my gratitude must not obscure my allegiance as a Christian. The Father has sovereignly placed us in this place, for such as time as this, to proclaim His gospel as He has ordained. We must ask ourselves how we are to serve Him from our privileged position. We have been given much and He requires much of us. Are we willing to lose our liberties for His sake? We must ask ourselves if our lives conform to the reality of Jesus being present in our midst. Are we loving our enemies? Are we bearing witness to our King? Are we Christians above every other identity? Have we pledged allegiance to the King? We praise the New Testament church for refusing to bow down before Caesar, yet we equate our citizenship as Americans as holy. We get all riled up when our politics are challenged. We even see legislation as the Way to secure our position as Christians in this nation. I am grateful for America. But I belong to the King.
Hi Guys,
I like this. I have been concerned specifically about Christ’s call to serve the least of these and what I see as the failing of the American church to do this. I believe that arena is where an allegiance to Christ over the allegiance to the U.S. is where I see many people forget what to follow.
Please ignore the grammar of the above last sentence. Cats and dogs were battling in my house. It should read something like
Instead of choosing an allegiance to Christ’s call to serve the “least of these, I see Christians and non-Christians choosing an allegiance to America. America’s allegiance is not always to the poor. you know, in my experience.
Okay, I actually have a thought on your comment. Yeah, I know, they are rare! But, what we actually pledge allegiance to is “One nation under God”, so if the country isn’t following His leading, do we have to follow their lead??? Personally I would think not.
Not that I don’t love and appreciate my country, I’m just saying that if people are doing ungodly things, I don’t have to do them – or condone them – just because of my citizenship. Just sayin’.
Bravo, bravo!! I’m glad you preached that sermon as it is one that more of the church needs to hear.
Especially since Thomas Nelson just came out with “The American Patriot’s Bible” which equates America with the “Kingdom of God”! Talk about a heresy!