Lately, I have heard a number of people (intellectuals) comment that patriotism and faith do not mix well. Their claim has been that somehow being patriotic and Christian are opposing ideologies. Sometimes, pastors will not even allow the American flag to be in the sanctuary of the church. I would like to present a differing viewpoint for your consideration.
Psalm One begins by saying, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on that Law he meditates day and night." The word 'meditate' in this verse is also the Hebrew word for remember, and the word "Law" is also the word for teaching. So, to paraphrase this passage I would say, "Blessed is the person….who remembers what God has taught them." As Christians, we are the remembering folks. We remember the blessings and the teachings of God.
On this 4th of July I remember these things. In forty-four years no one has ever oppressed me. There have been no invading armies. There has been no threat on my life. I have had the freedom to come and go as I please. I have chosen my career and made all major decisions in my life without coercion. I elect my leaders, whereas half of the planet’s leaders have become so by force. Soon, I will be able to get in my car and drive to either of my nation’s seashores. There would be no checkpoints and no armed guards to question my travel. All of this I enjoy, although I have not paid for it. It is the product of a developing ideology called democracy that has produced a nation where no one person, group or entity is able to suppress another.
As Christian Patriots, our role is simply to remember. Not with a blind ignorance and complacency, but with a grateful, informed and remembering heart. The flag and the 4th of July are not graven images. They are reminders to remember with grateful hearts. So, let us remember to join in one voice and say, "We will not forget!"
Very well put pastor B. We all must remember those that went before during this 4th of July season, and pray for those abroad and their safe passage home. Be safe friend.
Posted by: Derek | July 03, 2007 at 02:19 PM
Bravo! Although I would counsel you in that you have paid for these freedoms with your service to our country and God...and I thank you for both.
Posted by: David M | July 04, 2007 at 10:42 AM
In my church we often sing patriotic songs on civil holidays such as the 4th of July, and for that I am very grateful. Afraid we all take the freedoms you mentioned for granted. Thanks for reminding us how great it is to live in this country. ("On friendly soil" as a soldier who just got back home to Minnesota said, even though he had some difficulties.)
Uncle Randy Luken and I will be going to a city park to listen to music this afternoon and I guarantee there will be patriotic music playing.
We salute you all for the work you do!
Judy and Randy
Posted by: Judy Schletty | July 04, 2007 at 12:13 PM
A though provoking post,as always.
Wishing you and yours a very happy day!
Posted by: Kathi | July 04, 2007 at 12:36 PM
I love how you have cojoined the concept because when good men and women fail to intervene against evil, evil will propogate. As Christians we also are called to be the salt of the earth-the preservers (Matthew 5:13-14).
Thank you Sir for all that you have done to advance these freedoms with your Christian Witness. God Be With You Always...
Posted by: alpha | July 04, 2007 at 02:45 PM
God bless you sir. On this day of celebrating our independence.....we thank you.
Posted by: Kat in GA: A Soldiers' Angel | July 04, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Thank you for such a wonderful reminder. Have a very Happy Independence Day, and have a very blessed day.
Posted by: Rosemary | July 05, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Thank you so much, Pastor, for sharing your words of wisdom. I have come to your site often during my son's deployment. He is due home soon also, and I especially appreciated the words about expectations of a soldier returning home. God bless you and your family for your sacrifice. You have comforted so many.
GIJOEMOM
Posted by: Jo Ann | July 06, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Dear Pastor B,
We will miss your blogsite and hope that whoever replaces you will not have a problem since some blogsites were frozen. Good to find a place where we can come together and pray online even though you and our soldiers are half way across the world.
I pray that you and all our soldiers who are heading home soon, will be able to ease back into their lives after all their sacrifices for freedom.
I'm thankful for the love of Our Heavenly Father, your families and friends who helped you survive. Wish I could have helped more.
Lord of Compassion and Mercy, you are the source of true peace in the world and in our hearts. We pray for that day when there are no more wars. We pray for wisdom and understanding so that a peaceful resolution can be found while thanking our soldiers for their unselfish service so that peace may become a reality. We place our trust in you, Oh Lord.
Blessings for the day and always, Amen. Judy and Uncle Randy Luken
Posted by: Judy Schletty | July 06, 2007 at 11:55 PM
Thanks again, Corey, for reminding us to remember with grateful hearts. There is so much to be thankful for. I have never heard such a respectful silence, with hands over hearts, as when the "Blue Star Mothers" float went by in the Spicer parade on the 4th, a few days ago. One moment there was laughter and candy throwing and excitement and people sitting back in lawn chairs relaxing on the curb. In the next instant, as the float went by, the entire crowd, young and old, suddenly stood up, fell silent with hands over hearts, and gave their moment of respect. Yes, it was only a few moments, but the sense of patriotism and appreciation for the job that you are doing was so very evident. Regardless of how any particular person views this war, our support for you and your sacrifice NEVER waivers. God bless you, and we all look forward to your safe return.
Posted by: Heidi | July 08, 2007 at 10:37 PM
Dear Pastor B,
About 600 of our National Guard from Minnesota landed on American soil yesterday (Tuesday)! And now they will have to stay at Camp McCoy for about a week. When one of our Mpls. TV reporters interviewed a soldier who had just gotten off the plane, he remarked how good it was to be back in the U.S. They all noticed how green everything was in Wisconsin. Hadn't seen a tree in 16 months! Yesterday our newspaper, The Star Tribune, showed a picture of one young returning soldier and she said that she had been carrying a U.S. flag in her backpack since June as she anticipated their homecoming!
All of these pictures and stories warm our hearts. We're so proud. Takes our breath away for a moment, while time stands still.
Hug your loved ones for us.
God bless you and God bless America.
Judy
Posted by: Judy Schletty | July 11, 2007 at 11:28 PM
Well said, and obviously deeply felt...yet I also feel the dismissal, and possibly disparagement, of the "intellectuals" who have doubts as to how well faith and patriotism go together. I come from a faith background--and you may as well--that suffered considerably at the hands of those running governments. I love my country, but I hope and pray that my commitment to my country is nowhere near to my commitment to God.
Posted by: Chaplain Mike | May 04, 2008 at 03:17 PM