Happy Independence Day America! I hope everyone has a great day filled with fireworks, hot dogs, or whatever you have planned for today. For many Christians, they celebrate the Fourth of July as a sacred holiday while others wonder why should we even celebrate this day because our true citizenship is in heaven (see Philippians 3:20).
So, is there anything wrong with being a Christian who loves their country. I do not believe there is anything wrong with being a patriot. Nehemiah was grieved that the wall of Jerusalem was destroyed. The disciples wanted to know if Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. However, we do not need to be mean-spirited to those we do not agree with nor do we need to celebrate our patriotism more than our freedom we have in Christ.
The Resurgence talks about being a Christian and a patriot that fits really well with today's celebration of Independence Day:
As Christians, we have much to learn about engaging the democratic process in love. Many Christians have been violent, mean-spirited, and downright nasty toward those with whom we disagree with morally and politically (the same people that God sent his Son to die for, people with whom he has called us to share the gospel with). But if our political engagement is carried out in a way that does not reflect the love of God as expressed in Jesus Christ, then we run the risk of damaging the bridge between Christians and non-Christians.
ARE WE GUIDED BY LOVE FOR GOD AND OUR NEIGHBORS?
Researchers David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons did not surprise many when they found that “Christians do not respect leaders whose political viewpoint is different from their own.” Their research paints an uncomfortable picture of the way Christians are perceived by many people who feel that Christians are more influenced by radio talk show hosts than Jesus and the Scriptures.
As Christians, we have to remember that politics do not supersede God, nor replace our confession of faith and life in Jesus Christ. Discussions about political matters do not mean that our involvement and manner of conduct is compartmentalized from our faith. Regardless of someone’s political affiliation, we are commanded to love and pray for our leaders—not for their death and eternal damnation, but for their wellbeing, so that we may lead a peaceful life. It is this attitude and behavior that is good and pleasing to God (1 Tim. 2:1–3).
Even though we may disagree with others (and each other) on a host of political issues, these disagreements do not give us the right to disrespect, degrade, or debase those with whom we disagree.
Read the rest here
Also check out: Born Again on the Fourth of July
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