Christian Patriotism

The fourth of July is a patriotic day. Parades will march down streets in big cities and small towns. Bands will play songs about our country. And of course, there will be fireworks.

Independence Day brings forth a feeling of patriotism. The dictionary defines patriotism in the following way: “devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.”

With the sad memories of scandals in the highest office in our land along with a whole host of national problems, what is the condition of our spirit of patriotism?

Have such distasteful matters had a souring effect on our patriotic spirit so that we engage in negative thinking and speaking about our government and country? Have those issues had a negative impact on our involvement in the many different areas of citizenship — voting, paying taxes, jury duty, our service in the military, and volunteerism in our community?

The Lord Jesus helps us keep a proper perspective on our citizenship whenever we encounter sad conditions brought on by the human foibles and moral defects of anyone who is in a position of government leadership. Through his Word, Jesus reminds us to “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21).

Jesus spoke these words initially to certain religiously and politically minded people who were antagonistic toward the Roman government under which they were living. They despised the civil authorities because they were pagan, worldly, and unjust. They also detested paying taxes in support of this unwanted government.

Responding to a question as to whether it was lawful for them to pay taxes to this government, Jesus informed these people that according to God’s will it was both fitting and right for citizens of the state to give to Caesar — that is, the civil government — what was due him. In this case, it involved taxes.

The Holy Spirit expanded on Jesus words when he inspired the apostle Paul to write a letter to the Christians in Rome. “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7)

The Lord calls on all citizens of the world to show respect, support, and obedience (provided the laws don’t require we go against God’s Word) to their respective governments. This is true whether government is good or evil, just or unjust, merciful or unmerciful, and wise or unwise.

God’s Word helps us understand why the Lord calls us to live this way regardless of how good or bad the government may be. In Romans, we read, “The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1) and “He is God’s servant to do you good” (Romans 13:4)

Our country’s government has been placed over us by God. They serve as his representatives to bless us with law and order, and national peace and safety. We are thankful that God brings these blessings to us through his representatives.

A Lutheran pastor named Oswald Riess once wrote, “The Christian is the highest type of citizen. He honestly pays his taxes, conscientiously casts his ballot, cheerfully serves on a jury, patriotically fights and dies for his country if necessary. And he does this, not only because he loves his country, but above all because he loves his God.”

We love our country because we love our God, a God who loved us and sent his Son to redeem us from our sins, including our failures to be the model citizens God wants us to be. And may the redeeming love of our Savior God motivate us to display true and sincere patriotism.