Let me start with an admission: My view might be a bit biased. For you see, both sides of my family include veterans who’ve served this country. My oldest son followed in the footsteps of my father and is currently serving in the United States Air Force.

Two years ago, on the 4th of July, I stood with tears running down my face as I watched my son graduate from basic training in Texas.  It was hands down, the best Independence Day of my life (despite the heat and humidity)!

 Biased or not, I believe that every Christian should be patriotic toward their country. Yes, this country has a bloody history. And yes, I realize we are smack in the middle of a bizarre political season where partisan angst divides both major parties, making it disconcerting for all Americans. But nonetheless, I still believe there are a number of reasons that Christians should be patriotic. Please allow me to share a few.

1. Freedom Is Not Free

Christians should understand the issue of sacrifice more than anyone. The  death of Christ was a horrendous, bloody, and selfless sacrifice. Though the death of mere mortals in no way compares to the death of Jesus, we should be humbly appreciative of those who’ve given their lives for this country (John 15:13).
Not a Christian? http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Becoming-a-Christian-can-be-as-easy-as-A-B-C

2. We Are Christ’s Ambassadors Where We Are

It is Christ’s missional message to make disciples of all people. We cannot reach those whom we do not first love. The United States of America is our home and our mission field. Therefore, we must love this country and her people.
2 Corinthians 5:20, Acts 1:8

3. God Uses The Government For His Good

Every ruling authority that exists has been established by God (Romans 13:1-2). Those in authority are described as servants and ministers of God. God often uses the government for carrying out His purposes (Romans 13:4). Those in power hold their power because of God (John 19:10-11) and can be removed by God (Ps. 75:7, Daniel 2:21).

4. Our Nation’s Foundation Was God-Centered

Historical revisionists would like us to believe otherwise, but the founding of this nation was God-centered. Take a look at any number of our founding documents. See link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIIqXiF-z6E

5. God  Commands Us To Be Thankful

As Americans, we have so much to be thankful for. If you are reading this, my guess is that your take-home income is more than a few dollars a day. And most likely you have access to clean water and a restroom. This is not so in many parts of the world.

One-third of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day.*One in ten people lack access to safe water. And one in three people lacks access to a toilet**

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This country may not be perfect, but as a Gallup poll from 2012 shows, however, there are 150 million adults worldwide that would permanently move to America given the opportunity. The next highest preference was the U.K., with 45 million, then Canada and France, with 42 and 32 million, respectively.

People around the world know that America is blessed!

My hope and prayer on this Independence Day: as you and I enjoy our freedom to celebrate—pause from the BBQ, family gatherings and fireworks to thank God for this great nation and the sacrifices made by so many.

Please join me in prayer for our country.

“LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments”(Nehemiah 1:5). Please hear our prayer for The United States of America as we humbly seek You. Father, we thank you that we have the freedom to come before you, first because of what Christ has done, and secondly, because we live in a country that protects that very freedom.

We confess the many sins committed against you and ask that you would forgive us and heal this country (2 Chronicles 7:14). We pray for a revival of faith in Christ Jesus throughout the United States—in our homes, churches, businesses, and government.

God, your Word tells us, “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10-24). As Christians, we exercise our authority over the enemy and rebuke the powers of darkness over our country, in the powerful name of Jesus (Luke 10:19)!

Where darkness of the enemy and sin have prevailed, Lord shine Your light! Shine over all government and military leadership, giving them wisdom to make godly decisions. We pray that you would rise up God-fearing leaders who put You and Your Word first. We pray for the courage of Your people to stand up for the truth of Your Word and to live it.

We praise Your Holy and Most High Name, Jesus Christ!
Amen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Of course, my list is not exhaustive. Perhaps you can think of other reasons to honor our country. I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

* http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17512040

** http://water.org/water-crisis/water-sanitation-facts/

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