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.

Does Jesus Still Heal Today?

Debbie W. Wilson, a Bible teacher and former counselor, has helped many women find victory in life's battles. But what happens when the battle is health? Is there anything the believer can do? In this Practical Theology UPGRADE, Debbie answers the question with two examples and solid scriptural counsel.  "Have you ever wondered," she asks, "if Jesus heals today?"

This is a question I (Dawn) considered early in my cancer diagnosis. My conclusions, like Debbie's, brought me greater understanding, peace, and abiding joy. 

Debbie continues . . . 

In the Gospels, Jesus initiated healing for some and healed others because they asked. Some were healed with just a word; others had to participate in their healing, such as wash in a pool or pick up their mat and walk.

But what about today? Does Jesus heal today?

God healed my father-in-law from chronic back problems in an instant.

He was working late in his small grocery store one night when an inexplicable current zinged down his spine. His back pain vanished. He bent and twisted without the usual pain. For the ultimate test, he strode over to the meat lock

Ed Wilson’s healing didn’t come in response to a healing service, but it did follow an extraordinary act of obedience.

Grocery stores make more profit from non-perishable items than from perishable food. Cigarette sales generated significant income for his small store and took up relatively little space. Before the FDA warning on cigarettes, a conviction grew in him not to sell cigarettes anymore.

People thought he was crazy. But he couldn’t shake the conviction.

Instead of letting the cigarettes run out, one night he loaded his store’s supply and took them out into the Arizona desert to burn them.

My husband never forgot how sick the family was the next day—or his father’s sacrificial act of obedience.

The next week God healed Ed’s back.

Should We Ask for Healing?

The Bible tells us to pray for healing.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:14-16 NIV). 

Last week, our Bible study gathered around our sister to pray.

Before we prayed, I read and discussed James’s instructions.

1. “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call.”

The sick person had asked for prayer.

2. “Call the elders of the church to pray over them.”

The church is not a building but a body of believers—“the called-out ones.” The Bible calls believers a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

We have the authority to pray for one another.

Paul reminds us there is neither Jew or Greek (not based on ethnicity or physical birth); nor slave or free (not based on socio-economic standing); nor male or female (not based on gender) (Galatians 3:28). We are one in Christ Jesus.

3. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Righteous means we have right standing before God. This is based on what Christ has done, not on our worthiness.

Faith in Jesus make us righteous and produces a desire to please Him in our actions.

4. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

We bowed our heads quietly and asked the Lord to search our hearts so that we could come before Him with clean hearts (1 John 1:9).

5. “Pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
.
Oil, in the Bible, often symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6 NIV).

Humans don’t have the power to heal, but nothing is impossible with God.

I anointed our sister with a small amount of Frankincense oil on her forehead and wrists, and quoted Isaiah 53:5: “by his wounds we are healed” (NIV).

6. “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”

We gathered around her and prayed over her in Jesus’ name.

Our sister prayed too. She thanked God for her healing.

Whether here or in heaven, she WOULD be healed.

We ended singing, “Amen, amen….”

None of us will forget that holy moment when our prayers and tears mingled as the presence of the Holy Spirit poured over our sister.

Jesus heard us, and we trust Him to do more than we can ask or imagine.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV).

If Jesus didn’t still heal today, would the Bible tell the sick person to ask for prayers?

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. Learn more about her books, connect with Debbie, and find free resources at debbieWwilson.com.

Graphic adapted, original photo courtesy of Canva.

Open Your Child's Eyes to the World

Sally Ferguson's worldview informs everything she does, including how she parents. In this Parenting UPGRADE, she notes the pull of the world and suggests some ways we might open our children's eyes to the world in a godly way.

“Our children are exposed to the world’s view of life through television and the internet," Sally says. "I wanted to find a way to help them see God’s view of the world."

I (Dawn) love this approach to parenting. The world wants to open our children's eyes, but not always in the way we appreciate! How much better that parents think proactively and give their children a view of the world from heaven's perspective, especially a view of missions.

Sally continues . . .

Every time I travel to Uganda, I marvel at the joy I see in believers. Our view of trials is vastly different and worthy of note.

We have a lot to learn from our brothers and sisters around the world—their view of possessions does not dominate their view of their wealth.

How can a mom translate that to her children and cultivate a Christian worldview?

Open Your Child's Eyes to the World

1. Explore, Don't Shelter.

My peacekeeper personality has always wanted to shelter my children from the dangers and drama of this world. Instead, the news infiltrates all of society.

If we let it, this becomes an opportunity to discuss a Christ-like response to the events of our day.

Explore ideas. What are some ways you can talk about school shootings and political character assassinations? How can a Christian respond with faith rather than fear?

• Research topics together with reputable organizations like Answers in Genesis and Focus on the Family. (1)
• Take a road trip and visit The Museum of the Bible for perspective. (2)

2. Grab Their Passion.

Missionaries on furlough travel to share their experiences. Contact them ahead of time to fit into their schedule. You have an opportunity to hear their stories over a meal or an outing. You’ll find contagious enthusiasm about the world from their vantage point. (3)

When our missionaries and their four children came to our home for a visit, my kids had a grand time playing and hearing about life in Africa.

We took them to a state park where they enjoyed the lush scenery and hiking paths. It was a win for all.

3. Encourage Their Questions.

Spark your child's curiosity by looking up the location of missionaries on the globe. (4)

• Talk about the details of traveling there, living there, and interacting with the culture.
• What do they eat?
• What language do they speak?
• How do they get to school?

My friend Dani hosts dinners for her children. They:

• research a country,
• wear costumes to imitate the local style,
• eat native foods,
• and practice some words in the language of that country.

Her children are learning to embrace other cultures.

4. Stamp your Passport.

The family that travels together celebrates life!

We are a part of an intricate human race. Open up a world of possibilities to your children by taking them on missions trips. Not only does a team invest in the culture, but it also invests in each other as a support system while together.

Your child will connect with adults who have a mindset to serve and learn.

When you immerse yourself in another culture, you experience it with all five senses on high alert.

People become more than names—they take on the warm flesh of humanity.

One of our church trips to Africa included three family units. They created a lifetime of memories in their travels and made room in their hearts for others. Thirteen years later, those families still talk about the adventure they had together.

5. Lead by Example.

Children imitate what they see us do.

Our involvement with global issues informs their willingness to get involved. Inspire them to think outside the box.

• Could they set up a lemonade stand or mow lawns to raise money for child sponsorship?
• Could they draw pictures or write to encourage a child across the globe?

My friend Debbie includes her granddaughters in visits to shut-ins. They make someone else’s day with their artwork while learning to serve.

As a country, America has been blessed with abundance. In Romans 15:27, Paul says it is right for us to share our material blessings with those who bless us spiritually.

I have seen a wealth of joy come from the most humble of circumstances and realized I am the impoverished one. We could never outgive that gift of joy.

Let your children experience the world with you—in tow.

Let faith inform your conversations and provide a solid foundation as they move toward adulthood.

Instead of raising worldly children, let’s raise world-class Christians.

How will you show your child the world?

Sally Ferguson is a teacher of God’s Word and a student of people. Whether leading retreats or small groups, she loves to see the light shine when hope abounds. Sally lives in western New York with her husband and her dad. Her current project is a Bible study for caregivers. Catch up with her at sallyferguson.net.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Alexa's Fotos at Pixabay.

References in the article:

(1) https://answersingenesis.org/,  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/culture/

(2) https://www.museumofthebible.org/k-12-programs

(3) http://upgradewithdawn.com/blog/2022/4/12/how-to-champion-your-missionaries.html

(4) http://upgradewithdawn.com/blog/2021/9/10/helping-your-children-dream.html

Ignite the Spark of Your 'Marriage Bed'

Kathy Collard Miller is a woman of courage. She's an overcomer in Christ who now shares with others how to overcome obstacles in their own lives. In this Marriage UPGRADE, she encourages women to have courage in an unlikely place—the "marriage bed."

Ahhhh, June. The month of weddings, honeymoons, and the celebration of love," Kathy says. "God is love yet we often don’t take full advantage of God’s empowering for a great marriage."

When I (Dawn) think of all the June brides, I get excited! But I also know there will be some disappointments on their honeymoons, and maybe long into their marriages. Good counsel here.

Kathy continues . . .

After 53 years of marriage, Larry and I are still amazed at the delight of God’s gift of sexual intimacy.

Hebrews 13:4 commands that the “marriage bed” be held in honor and undefiled. Yet this aspect of marriage can face many trials and misunderstandings.

Ideas for sparking your marriage bed

1. Have realistic expectations.

For our wedding night, I anticipated all the fulfillment and thrill I’d seen in the movies for years. Yet, after we left the reception, we realized we were exhausted. Plus, we realized how little we knew.

Years ago there was a song with words something like, “love comes naturally.” Not true! This area of marriage may require the biggest learning curve ever.

Don’t become discouraged if you think your husband should know everything you want.

You must communicate without demanding what you prefer. And be patient knowing you both are learning.

2. Sexual intimacy is a mystery.

Solomon—who had lots of wives—wisely wrote,

Three things are too wonderful for me;
    four I do not understand:
the way of an eagle in the sky,
    the way of a serpent on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
    and the way of a man with a virgin. (Proverbs 30:18-19 ESV).

Don’t you hear the delight and yet the challenge of a couple getting to know each other?

The wisest man on earth says four things are “too wonderful for me” to understand, and one of them is “the way of a man with a virgin.”

Sexual union is a wonderful thing and yet something that is unique to the husband and the wife.

There’s no magic formula.

One of the most curious commands in the Bible is about honeymooners. Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 24:5:

“When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken.”

Sounds to me like God didn’t say, “I expect they’ll learn everything about each other in a month or two.”

No, He knew first of all, a military man would think a lot about his new bride at home and be distracted on the field. But also, being away from each other is not good for their new relationship, and God wanted to set them up in the best way for a lasting marriage.

Unfortunately, not every newlywed couple can have unlimited time together, but at least they can return home daily (in most cases).

3. The wonderment never has to subside.

The possible wonderment includes those married for a while, or a long time.

God has made the sexual union so vast in variety, that the connection can be a unique one each time.

Don’t ever think you have arrived or that you are bored. With some imagination and a desire to learn new things about your beloved, your delight can continue.

And be sure to read to each other The Song of Songs—it’s about sex!

4. You and your husband are not alone when experiencing obstacles.

No, I’m not saying you should include others.

I’m pointing out that your past, the way you were raised, the belief system you were taught, and what you’ve heard in the media are other “participants” in your marriage, especially in the marriage bed.

All of those truths and lies are swirling in your brain and body and becoming obstacles or blessings.

Unfortunately, any kind of abuse, especially physical or sexual harm, can block the freedom God wants you to enjoy with each other.

Fear of being treated in the same way you were in the past can destroy the trust that is needed to abandon your body to your spouse.

This is an area where a counselor may be needed. Know that God wants to help you and your spouse enjoy intimacy because He made your body capable of great pleasure.

Whatever struggle you have is weak in comparison to your Heavenly Father’s power. You will feel intimidated but be courageous to share with your spouse about your desires and preferences.

What struggle seems too strong to ask for help from God?

Kathy Collard Miller has continued to be in awe of God’s ability to use her through writing over 60 books and speaking in 9 foreign countries and over 30 US States. Her memoir, No More Anger: Hope for an Out-of-Control Mom (available in print, Kindle, and audio) is her story about overcoming anger and being a positive parent. Kathy and her husband, Larry, of more than 50 years, are parents, grandparents, lay counselors, and live in Boise, Idaho. Visit her at www.KathyCollardMiller.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Victoria Regen at Pixabay.

Am I a Samaritan?

Susan K. Stewart is a practical, biblical woman. She takes a no-nonsense approach to life, but with a tender heart. In this Compassion UPGRADE, she asks a thought-provoking question: Am I a Samaritan?

“My goal that Sunday morning was to slip into the last row of chairs after the service started, then leave quietly during the closing hymn,” Susan says.

“But God has a way of thwarting our plans for His.”

My heart (Dawn’s) was so touched by Susan’s story; and the lesson she drew from this tough life experience is life-impacting.

Susan continues . . .

The week before an anonymous reporter told the sheriff’s department our seventeen-year-old son had been beaten by his father.

On Sunday, our son was still at a Child Protective Services shelter. We would not know when he could come home until a hearing still ten days away.

To compound the pain of this situation, my husband had been arrested for those allegations.

The small-town weekly newspaper reported all arrests. So, there it was for all the public to see.

When child abuse is reported, not only do the officials treat the accused parent as guilty, so do others. Although I was able to make the required bail, it was still agony to go in public.

Even knowing the falsehood involved, there was no bandage to cover people’s reactions.

A Hurting Heart on Mother’s Day

We tried to quickly sit down while the worship team slowly gathered on the stage and congregants took their seats.

Those who didn’t know us well made sideways glances at us and left the chairs next to us empty. Those who knew us only gave distant greetings. Maybe they believed the report; maybe they didn’t know what to say.

I felt even more alone.

Then Nora walked across the auditorium to give me a hug.

While that may not seem significant most Sunday mornings, on this particular Sunday it was a balm I needed. Not only due to the situation we found ourselves in, but it was also Mother’s Day.

It would have been easy to have stayed at home. After all, we all know what Mother’s Day at church is like.

Moms proudly standing with adoring children, various moms receiving special recognition—the mom whose child is in protective custody or in jail isn’t invited to stand—and the Proverbs 31 sermon.

But the Holy Spirit shoved me out our front door. He knew there was a living sermon for me.

An Unlikely Samaritan

This lady who went out of her way to share love with me was not a close friend. Nora and I had differences. Honestly, she wasn’t someone I expected to approach me. If I had given it any thought, I would have expected her to be one of those who might stand nearby and whisper.

In spite of our sometimes less than cordial relationship, Nora recognized my breaking heart, sought me out to show Christ’s healing love, and became a Samaritan to me. It would have been easier for her to pass by on the other side of the road.

Instead, she publicly acknowledged I needed healing.

Am I a Good Samaritan?

Even though the charges were ultimately dropped by the court, we continued to face some dark hours. During the time in the valley, I was focused on our family’s pain.

As the Shepherd brought us through, I began to look outward more.

• Was I passing on the other side of road when someone was hurt? 
• How did I react to negative reports about others?
• Had I become like the priest or the Levite who moved away from the injured?

I’ve not always followed Nora’s or Christ’s example.

I’m too quick to be concerned about appearances or believing the “news” about someone’s struggle.

Had it been another mother that morning going through inner pain, I may have been one of those whispering and sitting in a different row.

Also like the Samaritan, Nora moved on with her life.

She and I didn’t become friends. In fact, after that one hug, she only asked a couple times how things were going. She’s not the one I asked to be at the court hearing with us. Our lives didn’t converge beyond the soccer field. She’s not even a Facebook “friend” now.

It isn’t necessary to be BFFs to share a healing hug or note of love.

Jesus’s parable (Luke 10:25-37) uses a Samaritan and Jew; people who hated each other. These men wouldn’t not have talked to each other under different circumstances.

The Samaritan followed what was right, not what was expected.  He was “the one who had mercy” (Luke 10:37).

I don’t imagine they had coffee together after the incident. Showing God’s love is for everyone, not just the people we like.

Nora is forever my Samaritan, who crossed the road to offer healing and comfort. She is the Samaritan who made sure my heart was cared for that morning.

She continues to be an example I now try to follow.

Who has been your Samaritan? Are you a Samaritan? How can you strive to be a Samaritan to the unloved?

Susan K. Stewart, Managing Editor with Elk Lake Publishing, teaches, writes, and edits non-fiction. When she’s not tending chickens and donkeys, Susan teaches, writes, and edits non-fiction. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions. Her latest book, Donkey Devos: Listening When God Speaks, is a devotional based on life with her donkeys. You can learn more at her website www.susankstewart.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Natalia Navrilenko at Pixabay.