Patriotism (or lack of it) has become synonymous with our country’s performance. Past mistakes and current political choices shape the thinking of many. However, that really isn’t what our country is about. Do you stop loving and respecting your parents when they behave in ways that anger you? Do you dismiss your kids and withhold your love because of their mistakes and poor choices? Hopefully not. You should be able to look past these things with forgiveness, loving them for who they are, and recognizing their true value.
In our country, let’s look past the wrongs and celebrate the rights. We live in a beautiful place of opportunity, prosperity and freedoms that many countries don’t have. As we’ve travelled, we’re grateful for our country’s good roads, affordable gas, ample parking, prolific shopping and handicapped accessibility. Our protected and prolific National Parks are without equal. I can use my AC, heat and water without government regulation, and make decisions about my housing without interference. Our TV, phone service and technology are terrific, compared to the rest of the world. We are allowed to worship and assemble together without fear. How different things are in other parts of the world!
I was miffed by Megan’s Rapinoe’s disrespect during the National Anthem prior to Women’s World Cup soccer games. I commented that no other country would put up with that. Then it hit me—Bingo! Yes, we have freedoms that no other country has, and her very ability to be publicly disrespectful is one of our country’s greatest strengths!
We don’t need to put on rose-colored glasses and overlook or deny the problems, but we do need to take off our dark glasses that see things negatively and focus on the wonderful positives instead. Furthermore, as Christians, we have a higher calling. We trust in a sovereign God who controls our course. Romans 13 says that no leader is in power unless it is God ordained. Instead of griping, then, let’s look for God’s hand in the trajectory of our country, pray for our country and above all, celebrate the goodness of our country. Happy Fourth of July! God bless America! #Ilovetheusa
#happy fourthofJuly
“Every Christian ought to obey the civil authorities, for all legitimate authority is derived from God’s authority, and the existing authority is appointed under God. To oppose authority then is to oppose God, and such opposition is bound to be punished.” (Romans 13:1, 2 Phillips)