Upgrade Your Patriotism — Do Your P.A.R.T.

Morgan Farr is committed to biblical truth, and it touches every part of her life, even how she lives as a citizen of the United States. In this enlightening July 4th UPGRADE, she describes the difference between patriotism and nationalism, and encourages every American Christian to do their part as a citizen.

“Recently, during a conversation about serving our nation, my eight-year-old asked, ‘Where is America in the Bible?’” Morgan says.

“This question spurred a conversation about patriotism, nationalism, and our citizenship as Christians.”

I (Dawn) don't think enough Americans understand the difference between patriotism and nationalism, so I'm glad Morgan addressed this.

Morgan continues . . .

My husband is a soldier in the United States Army. This value of service matters to my family, because serving others is foundational as we look at how to imitate Christ. In wanting our children to learn the importance of service, we volunteer as part of our homeschool curriculum.

After my eight-year-old asked how America fits into the timeline of the Bible, I checked a quick sketch of the world timeline.

I realized how easy it is to assume that patriotism is a Christian principle today. I want to share how to upgrade your patriotism by doing your P.A.R.T.

First, a couple of definitions.

“Patriotism” Includes Pride of Country. 

Mark Twain said, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.”

Patriots faithfully serve their community to the benefit of everyone within its borders. Pride in your community and the willingness to share it with others is a benchmark of true patriotism.

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary describes patriotism as: “love for or devotion to one’s country.”

A deep emotional pride in your country's cultures, histories, and traditions causes this loyalty and devotion.

The goal of patriotism is pride in the nation which is shared and celebrated.

Patriotism does not come at the cost of one's conscience or to the detriment of another person.

Does patriotism differ from nationalism?

“Nationalism” is Exclusionary.

Many people use nationalism and patriotism interchangeably despite the fact that they have different definitions and outcomes.

Although we hear about nationalism a lot in the news, it isn’t a new concept. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines nationalism as “loyalty and devotion to a nation, especially: a sense of national consciousness, exalting one nation above all others, and placing primary emphasis on promoting its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.”

Nationalism is seen throughout history in things like the concepts of Manifest Destiny, White Nationalism, Black Nationalism, American Exceptionalism, Ethnonationalism, and, of course, in recent news, Christian Nationalism.

The basic idea of nationalism is, “This is our table, and only certain people can sit here.”

So there is a big difference between patriotism and nationalism.

Charles de Gaulle said,

“Patriotism is when the love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.”

When we look at the history of nationalism, we can see that this idea often elevates the interests of one group of people above all others. It is a philosophy of grandeur and superiority for those in the right group or category.

But it creates a marginalized group of others who don't fit the standard.

Which Approach Reflects Christ?   

The marginalization of people different from us in favor of ourselves contradicts what we are told in Philippians 2: 3-4:

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not [only] for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

As Christians, we must carefully examine what is espoused by any “ism” we align with.

Any ideology that leads to xenophobia, prejudice, or a superiority complex cannot reflect Christ.

Do Your P.A.R.T.

How can you upgrade your patriotism in a way that honors God? Consider these four points, each beginning with a letter in P.A.R.T.

1. Pray about It.

Step one in anything should be prayer. James 5:13 says, Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

As you look at serving your community, volunteering, or voting, pray about all of it.

• Pray over every name, both on your side of the political spectrum and the other side.
• Pray for servicemembers and their families.
• Pray for leadership and the new recruits headed to boot camp.
• Pray for clarification of the values that God is calling you to uphold.

2. Ask about It.

Ask questions about everything. Asking questions is biblical. The Bible records more than 300 questions that Jesus asked in the first four books of the New Testament.

• Ask what political parties and politicians stand for.
• Ask about the values of the institutions you frequent.
• Ask about the beliefs and values of your pastors, elders, and deacons.
• Ask about things that you don’t know the answers to in theology, in the Bible, and in life. Then square those answers with the Bible.

3. Read about It.

Read your Bible. No, the United States isn’t mentioned. However, the Bible gives us direction for dealing with economics (Mark 12:17), government (Romans 13:1-7), and where our citizenship truly lies (Philippians 3:20).

• Read it in your preferred translation.
• Read it in a different translation.
• Read commentaries about the Bible.
• Read about the historical context of the time.
• Read to learn and grow, not just to check the box.

4. Teach about It.

As you wrestle with difficult questions or topics, tell others what you learn.

• Tell your friends in Bible study.
• Teach your children and your grandchildren.

The way we battle nationalism in favor of patriotism is by boldly speaking up for the truth of the gospel.

Paul, just after telling us to don the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), called himself an “ambassador” (v. 20). We are called ambassadors too (2 Corinthians 5:20), and we’re told to boldly declare the mysteries of the gospel.

An ambassador is “a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government.”

As children of God in the country where we live, we must do our part to represent Christ well. We do this by loving God above all else, and caring for our neighbor—every neighbor.

Which part of P.A.R.T. can you do today?

Morgan Farr is a succulent-cultivating book nerd and aspiring author. She spends her days homeschooling her four young children and training her working dogs. As an Army wife, Morgan has learned to lean heavily on Jesus as she walks out military life. She is the Director of Publishing at Planting Roots, the Graphic Designer for Mission: Milspouse, and is heavily involved in her local PWOC and military chapel. You can connect with Morgan on all major social media channels using her handle: morgandfarr.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Stephanie McCabe at Unsplash.

How to Biblically Upgrade Your Patriotism

On thing I admire about Morgan Farr is her unabashed patriotism. As an Army wife, she ministers to other military wives with the kind of passion for America we all can embrace. In this Independence Day UPGRADE, she encourages us to think about our level of patriotism—and how to raise it to a higher level.

“In an age of political division and international strife, patriotism has become a quasi-dirty word,” Morgan says. “But for Christians it doesn't have to be.”

I (Dawn) know what Morgan means about the word "patriotism." People on the Left and Right have their own idea of what it means, but it's not a partisan word.

Former President Dwight Eisenhower once said, "I don't think the United States needs Super-Patriots. ... We need patriotism, honestly practiced by all of us, and we don't need these people [who pretend to be] more patriotic than you or anybody else."

He was right. Patriotism is for all of us.

Morgan continues . . .  

When most people think of patriotism they think of things like bald eagles, WWII, and Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud to be an American”.

Patriotism gives you a feeling.

You know it when you see it, but it is a word that is difficult to define clearly. Even Google stumbles with it saying patriotism is “the act of being patriotic, or vigorously supporting one’s country.”

Currently our political climate is such that you have people on all side of the political spectrum “vigorously supporting” things that oppose one another all in the name of our country!

Senator Marco Rubio said, “Our national motto is 'In God we Trust,' reminding us that faith in our Creator is the most important American value of all.”

This is why I believe we can upgrade our patriotism by turning back to our Bibles, rather than turning to political ideologies.

In doing so, I see three main keys to biblically upgrading your patriotism.

1. Let’s start with the most basic idea: God put the leaders of our country in place.

The Apostle Paul said, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Romans 13:1).

That is pretty cut and dry.

As Christians, we are to give proper respect and honor to the people that make the sacrifice of leading, regardless of which animal adorns their campaign banners. 

In short, you may not agree with President Trump on many different things, but he has been allowed to be the governing head of the United States by the Creator of the heavens and Earth. Now your responsibility is to pray for him and his counsel every day.

Love what he is doing? Pray to God.

Hate what he is doing? Pray to God.

2. Our military is an excellent reminder of sacrificial love.

John, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, wrote, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 5:13).

I am an Army wife, so I am reminded daily of the incredible gift that is our military.

No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you are able to stand there because an American soldier died fighting for your freedom, and they continue to do it today.

At each one of our duty stations there has been an audible reminder of the men and women standing between us and evil.

• At Fort Hood the thunderous artillery would knock pictures off the walls.
• Fort Bragg had the subtle, constant hum of Blackhawks and Chinooks.
• And San Diego boasts the roar of soaring jets.

Want to be a part? Volunteer with the USO, babysit for a family with a deployed or TDY spouse.

Maybe you don’t live near a military post so you don’t have that daily reminder or the ability to hands on help, but you can still be in prayer for our military and their leaders every single day.

3. We need a biblical perspective.

I want to remind everyone that no matter what goes on politically, socially, or economically, it really doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we are not of this world.

Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."

We have read the end of the story (The Book of Revelation) and we know how it ends.

Christ didn’t die for the American flag, Christ died to redeem us from sin.

Our job is to go forth and tell others of his overwhelming sacrifice.

Ultimately, being patriotic and vigorously supporting the United States has more to do with being in prayer and being a witness to nonbelievers than it does with the actions and reactions of politicians.

So be patriotic. Vigorously support our government in counsel, participation, and prayer.

What does patriotism look like in your family? What do you do to upgrade your level of patriotism each year?

Morgan Farr is an Army wife currently stationed in San Diego, California. with her wonderful husband Brian and their two sons. Morgan is a homemaker who dedicates her free time to ministering to other military wives through Bible studies, food, and physical training. Morgan writes about her transition out of feminism and into biblical womanhood at The Forgiven Former Feminist and you can find her fitness training and nutrition programs at Farr Functional Fitness.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pexels at Pixabay.

Patriotism Plus!

I love America! I'd rather live here than anywhere in the world. In spite of current governmental choices I may not like, I still have basic freedoms enshrined in our founding documents. Don’t ever take our freedoms in America for granted!

Here are some ways we can all “upgrade” our expression of patriotism:

• Tell your children and grandchildren why America is so special. Make sure they understand the freedoms we share. Read or get them books that focus on true American heroes. Encourage them to create and display “patriotic” art.
• Read about some American heroes yourself—our Founding Fathers (and Mothers). What are the character qualities that made them great?
• Get a flag and fly it—show your American spirit! Don’t just wait for July 4^th or Flag Day. Learn flag etiquette.
• Honor those who have fought or are fighting to keep America free. Visit the graves of those who gave “the ultimate sacrifice.” Write a note of gratitude to someone in the Armed Forces.
• Wear the “red, white and blue” occasionally. Remember: red is for courage and sacrifice, blue is for justice and freedom, and white is for purity.
• Host neighborhood or family get-togethers on patriotic holidays. Bake some red, white and blue desserts, or create a dish of berries and cream. Decorate with flags and stars.
• Enjoy fireworks shows together – celebrate our freedom!
• Read the words of America’s patriotic songs (like the “Star Spangled Banner,” “America,” or “God Bless America.”) Consider how God has indeed blessed our nation.  
• Vacation in American historical sites.
• Volunteer – practice the spirit of American compassion and giving. Consider working at a mission, food bank, or homeless shelter.
• Watch a classic movie to inspire you – like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington or Independence Day.
• Cheer on Americans who strive for excellence, whether it’s the Olympics, World Cup or a spelling bee!
• Pray for America’s leaders – even the ones you don’t agree with! (Run for office or another leadership role, if God calls you to do so.)
• Pray for America—especially that God’s people will stand with courage. Remember that true freedom comes from Him. We love America, but God is more concerned about our hearts than where we live (Psalm 33:12-22). Seek Him!

What does “Patriotism” look like to you?

Dawn Wilson is the founder of Heart Choices Ministries and creator of UpgradeWithDawn.com and also blogs at LOLwithGod.com. Dawn's ministry encourages, edifies and energizes women with the truth of scripture so they can better enjoy life, bless others and honor God. She lives in San Diego with her husband Bob and a rascally maltipoo named Roscoe.