Baptist Press
By Tony Martin/The Baptist Record, posted July 3, 2024
As the sun rises on another July Fourth, our hearts swell with pride. Fireworks light up the sky, and flags flutter in the breeze, reminding us of the freedoms we cherish. But amid the celebrations, there’s a deeper reflection to be had — what does it mean to be a Christian first and a patriot next?
Our world and its systems are broken. Everywhere we look, we see evidence of this. Wars rage, injustices persist, and divisions deepen. It’s easy to get swept up in the tide of current events, to become overly concerned with the political, social, and economic upheavals that seem to define our times. As Christians, however, our first allegiance is not to any country or ideology but to God.
Being a patriot is not a sin, nor is it something to be ashamed of. In fact, being concerned for your country, caring about its future, and being passionate about its values can be commendable. But our passion and concern must be rightly ordered. Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV) reminds us, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
This Scripture calls us to lift our gaze above the earthly realm and focus on the eternal. It’s a challenge to prioritize our heavenly citizenship over our earthly one. Our identity in Christ should shape every other aspect of our lives, including how we engage with our nation. The Rest of The Story Here
