Christian Love for Country
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. FOR THERE IS NO POWER BUT OF GOD: THE POWERS THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for HE IS THE MINISTER OF GOD, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. Romans 13:1-4
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence as it met at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston were the key authors. The main purpose was to both announce and explain our separation from Great Britain.
Based on our text patriotism is a Christian Responsibility. History will record that Christians are among the best patriots in any nation. It is our responsibility to Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21). There are those who will not recognize the current Caesar in America. It is a declaration of unbelief in the sovereignty of God who removeth kings, and setteth up kings (Daniel 2:21). We may not like Caesar but obedience to God calls for our allegiance regardless. When Paul wrote Romans 13, Nero reigned in Rome and severely persecuted many Christians.
Paul instructed Titus: Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work (Titus 3:1). Peter instructs us: Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well (I Peter 2:13-14).
The American’s Creed drawn up by William Tyler Page was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 3, 1918. It reads as follows:
“I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon these principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”
Thank God today for America and pray that there will be a turning back to God in these perilous times in which we live. As opposed to criticizing them, pray for our leaders that they follow God’s righteous will as opposed to any evil desires of the people they serve. Philippians 1:27 states: Only let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ. The church at Philippi was about 900 miles from Rome but was located on the Egnatia Highway, directly connecting them to Rome. That opened the door for great persecution but it also opened the door for many traveling through Philippi to hear the Gospel of Christ.
Regardless of great evil in our land, recognize that our nation experienced real revival in the past and that nothing is impossible with God. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; AND THE PEOPLE WHOM HE HATH CHOSEN FOR HIS OWN INHERITANCE (Psalm 33:12). Recognize further that by God’s appointment, you are an American. Thank God for that truth and choose to be a godly American for God’s glory. Ask God to allow you to represent Him well as a good citizen of the United States of America.
George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.
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