Romans 13:1-2 (NCV) says, 'All of you must yield to the government rulers. No one rules unless God has given him the power to rule, and no one rules now without that power from God.' So those who are against the government are really against what God has commanded. And they will bring punishment on themselves.'
It can be very hard at times to be both the Christian and the patriotic example that we should be. Many of us are better at preaching life's examples than actually living them as a way of life! 'Do as I say, not as I do' rings true for many people as a parent, as a leader, as a Christian, or a patriot. But that truly does not give us an excuse to not keep trying to be that ideal example, and not to be the exception to the rule. I sometimes hear too often someone say ìWell I am only human' in the mediocre attempt of being a good parent, a good leader, a good Christian, or being truly patriotic towards their country.
Titus 3:1-2 (NCV) tells us, ìRemind the believers to yield to the authority of rulers and government leaders, to obey them, to be ready to do good, to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people.' This is the Bible's example of a true Patriotic Christian!
I personally feel that we are all put here on this earth to become a better person and better citizen before we die. If you read the Old and New Testament, and follow these examples that the Bible sets, you get a real good idea of how to live a Christian life and also still show patriotism for your county as well. You can love both, God and Country!
Jesus comments on this in the New Testament in Matthew 22:19-21 (NVC). Jesus said, 'Show me a coin used for paying the tax.' So the men showed him a coin. Then Jesus asked, 'Whose image and name are on the coin?î The men answered, 'Caesar's.' Then Jesus said to them, 'Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and give to God the things that are God's.'
In Matthew 22:35-40 (NCV) Jesus was asked by one of the Pharisees that were an expert in the Law of Moses, which commandments in the law is the most important. Jesus answered, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' 'This is the first and most important command.' 'And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' 'All the law and the writings of the prophets depend on these two commands.'
I truly feel that it is not a stretch to extend the meaning of ìneighbor' to 'neighborhood', in this, verse do you? Is not our neighborhood part of our city, county, state, and country? Then being 'A Patriotic Christian' is displaying our love for God, for our neighbor, neighborhood, city, county, state, and country!
