Americans do not have a corner market on patriotism, and as a patriotic American, I do not have a problem with it in general. As Bonhoeffer quickly saw in his own countrymen during the rise of Hitler, lines can get easily blurred between God and country.
The question is really: Christianity or Germanism? And the sooner the conflict is revealed in the clear light of day the better.
Eric Metaxas, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
As believers in Christ, we must always remember where our true citizenship lies. This earthly homeland is just a transit pass to a much better place. However, knowing this does not prevent us from being swayed by attacks on our loyalty.
Culture likes to start here, really, by asking the question: “Where do your true loyalties lie?” The world wants a straight yes or no response. You aren’t allowed to question motives or accept some parts of your country or leadership and not others. Men have been easily blacklisted, jailed, and sometimes killed for simple doubts.
“You’re either with us or face cancellation,” becomes the trap of this world.
We need to remember one thing in this discussion to help us keep the right perspective: Will my loyalty to country, government, or world guarantee my eternity in heaven? We’re not the only ones who have been torn in this struggle. Paul wrote believers in the first century about it:
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:18-20 NIV
There is only one who deserves my undivided loyalty in this life because he carries me to the next—Jesus.
Where do your loyalties lie?
Grace and Peace