I love America. Despite the shortcomings and growing anti-Christian sentiment, it continues to be a nation with the greatest freedoms and prosperity. Our citizens have the right to participate in the democratic election of our leaders. There is no direct hindrance to our ability to worship God or to evangelize the lost. I believe the reason we enjoy God’s blessing is because our founders had deeply held beliefs that the principles of Scripture were key to good government – and they were right.
However, I also believe that as our culture shifts away from that premise and we elect leaders who stand in opposition to God’s Word, the once bright beacon of hope we had in this country will continue to dim. In many ways, our country’s establishment was intertwined with Christianity but is allegiance to country inherently tied to our allegiance to the Lord? Recently I heard the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina make the accusation that our loyalty to Christ is measured by our level of political action. He intimated that Pastors should question their salvation if they weren’t actively engaged and leading the charge for change in the political arena. There is a growing trend of this type of thinking in what has been termed “Christian Nationalism”. As I said, I believe in patriotism and in utilizing and leveraging our rights in this nation to preserve our freedoms. However, when you get to the point that your identity as an American patriot is too closely tied to your identity as a Biblical Christian, you have stepped over the line. Here are some reasons why -
- America is not the Promised Land – When God spoke to Abraham in Genesis 12:7 and promised him, “Unto thy seed will I give this land”, He wasn’t standing in Washington D.C. Some have seen such blessing in our country since it’s founding that they have equated this as the land of promise for all believers. However, God still has a plan for the Jewish people and will one day restore ALL of the land that was promised to Abraham back in Genesis. God’s intentions for this nation in Bible prophecy are unclear and (while we continue to be thankful for God’s provision and blessing) we need to be careful not to write in a future for our country that the Bible does not support.
- God is Sovereign over Politics – So often we need reminded that “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:1). Major world powers have fallen in the course of a night at God’s hand (see the book of Daniel). While God uses his people to vote, lobby, call congressman, run for office, and be otherwise engaged in the political process for His purposes (which we should be doing), we must not forget that HE is the only one that matters. God calls all the shots even when we feel there is manipulation, deception, and wickedness in our leadership. We can trust that He will accomplish His purpose and this should motivate us to pray just as Jesus told us – “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
- Christians are Pilgrims and Strangers – When you come to know Christ, your allegiances, your citizenship, and your longings are supposed to be changed. All those in the hall of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Even Abraham, who was able to sojourn in the land that God promised to him, “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Let’s not keep our eyes so focused on Washington and the leaders there that we take them off the New Jerusalem and our King Jesus who will rule and reign in righteousness forevermore.
Christian Nationalism is not all bad. If Christians stand idly by without a voice in this democracy, things will likely continue to get worse. We are called to be salt and light in all parts of this world we live in, including politics. However, let’s not get too invested in the outcome. This country is not the promised land from Scripture. God is still in control no matter how bad things may seem. Do your reasonable service but keep your eyes fixed on the author of all things and the eternal home that awaits. Keep your patriotism tied to your citizenship in heaven first and you will find that all other allegiances take second place.