When it comes to the passionate topic of patriotism, there are many opinions being voiced, especially, when now our nation’s future stands in grave peril.
We know Biblically, the Psalmist advocated strenuously for patriotism on the behalf of Jerusalem and Israel. He stated in the midst of Babylonian captivity, “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy” (Psalms 137:5, 6).
Does that mean we should love our nation regardless if it does good or bad? I don’t think that can be the measure of true patriotism. Why is this an important distinction to keep in mind?
Well, I believe it is safe to assume our nation is at the crossroads. What may the future hold when it comes to the plight of America?
Here are some passages to consider as we wrestle with this important question.
“The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it” (Jeremiah 18:7-10).
“For the nation and kingdom which will not serve You shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined” (Isaiah 60:12).
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalms 19:7).
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance” (Psalms 33:12).
Perhaps, this was the reasoning behind the Father of our Country, George Washington, giving this admonishment to the citizens of our nation. He stated, “To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
He also gave this warning at his Farewell Speech, Sept. 19, 1796:
“The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of right and order which Heaven itself has ordained. … Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”
According to Washington’s standard, how many true American patriots do we still have left in our beleaguered nation?
