Patriotism should show respect for all people

Freedom, what a wonderful word. As I drove by our local cemetery this weekend, my breath was taken away by the sea of red, white, and blue that blanketed the grounds. It was a picture of solemn beauty.

Most Americans realize that freedom comes at a cost. Men and women have laid down their lives to protect ours and the freedoms which we have grown accustomed to. In our society today, we see patriotism take on a myriad of forms. For the vast majority of people their patriotism is well placed and well intentioned; however, some have tried to shroud hatred under the auspices of their patriotism.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” This famous line from the Declaration of Independence shows an amazing truth.

ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL.

Our patriotism, at no time should be tainted by prejudice but show respect for all people. Each of us that have the privilege to live in this great country, are under that banner. There is another part of this we also need to understand.

Just as the Founding Fathers indicated in their writings, we are in this country by God’s ordainment not by random chance. With that in mind, what are you doing with these amazing gifts of freedom

Thomas Jefferson wrote this; “God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God?”

Our freedom comes from God not government. However, before you pick up the sabers and rattle them toward the government, understand that God also has placed the government where they are as well.

You do not like them? That is fine you have that right not to. You like them? You have that right as well. Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about government and our obligation to them?

In 1 Timothy 2 we read “First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in [a]authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and [b]dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the [c]knowledge of the truth.”

We have been called to pray for our leadership. When was the last time that you prayed for the government to hear and be led by the voice of the Lord? That is our mandate in Scripture. We live in the best country in the world. We were placed here by God. Now let us serve Him in our freedom. Be a Christian Patriot. Is the Lord calling you into the political arena? Answer the call.