A few years ago, I took a trip to the Smokey Mountains and a week later, I returned with a completed manuscript for a book. The title was A Word from Pop and it was written for my two grandchildren. The subtitle, what I want them to know before I go sums up the purpose for writing it. The final topic was Patriotism where I asked them the very important question, “What are you?” I then spoke with them about their identity and where they should find it. Here are some excerpts from that section:

As for me, I am a Christian who just happens to be an American. If you are not first and foremost a Christian, then what will you be when you enter heaven. You certainly won’t be an American there!

When you choose to become a Christian, you publicly give your life and your allegiance to Jesus.  This allegiance is not to be second to anything else, including your country.

Do I love the United States of America? That is probably a question every Christian citizen should consider. I can only answer for myself and so, I will.

I love the basis on which our country was founded by our Christian founding fathers and biblical principles.

 I love our Constitution, the construction of which I believe was ordained by divine Providence. It was also prayerfully crafted by devout and thoughtful men of faith.

I love that our country has chosen to stand with Israel against all other nations that wish to destroy it. I believe God’s blessings have been upon us all these many years because of that. I respect every man and woman that has worn our uniform and fought for liberty all over the world.

Do I love the United States of America? My first love must be Jesus Christ and if ever asked to side with my country against Him, I say NEVER!

In addition, I addressed a few of the problems with our government. These included, gross waste of our hard earned tax dollars, oppressive regulations, corruption, and politicians with nefarious motives.

I then closed this topic out with the following:

This country and the world will need you both to stand boldly and unwavering for Jesus Christ. If you don’t stand with Him, you are in fact standing against Him. Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.”   Luke 11:23                                                                       

We live not only in a time when we are divided philosophically as a nation, but we are witnessing evil emerge before our very eyes. It has taken the form of a political party whose platform goes contrary to everything Christian Americans have cherished. Some of these are the sanctity of life, marriage, morality and a strong work ethic.

In Psalm 2:1, the question is asked, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” The obvious answer is that unbelievers are not indwelt by the Spirit of God, but rather influenced by the powers of darkness. It is ungodly to fight to murder the unborn and end the lives of the elderly and handicapped. It is ungodly for members of the same sex to enter into marriage and those who can work should do so.

So where can these find hope? It is found only where hope for all mankind is found, in Jesus Christ. Otherwise, they are doomed.

“And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

2 Thessalonians 11-12

And so, I suppose it comes to this. Should we love America? We should love Jesus Christ first and foremost and allow His love to flow through us to others. We should shine our light into the darkness and pray for the deceived that they may see the light before it is too late.