What Does It Mean to Love Your Country?

I love America. I love the original concept of America.

Loving our country means more than loving the property or the ground on which we stand. It means more than loving the people.

What does it mean to you to love America?

I believe that loving your country means that you love what it means to be a citizen of that country, because you love the beliefs that country embraces.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13

As Christians, we are citizens of heaven. As Christian Americans, we will only love America to the degree that she stands for the things of God.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6

God gives us freedom to choose Jesus or not. America gives us freedom of religion in the Constitution.

God gave us the Ten Commandments. He wants us to be a moral people. We needed a Savior because we fall short. Overall, we expect America to be a moral people.

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
1 Timothy 5:8

God wants us to work and to take care of our families.

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:10

God expects us to do our part, and work. We are not to expect others to help us when we do not help ourselves. We expect America to not reward the lazy.

If America moves away from the freedom of religion, morality, and a Christian work ethic, what will she turn into? What will be left for us to love?

What does loving America mean to you? Could you love an America that is not moral? Could you love an America that rewards the lazy? Could you love an America that turns its back on God?

Elections are less than six months away. I believe that we are at a turning point in America. Either we will swing back toward God, or we will move away. Find out what each politician believes. Know what they hold dear. Pray before you vote, and vote accordingly.

No matter what the outcome, be encouraged.

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39

LIFE APPLICATION

Key Focal Verse:

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:42

Today’s challenge is to really ask yourself what you love about America. What makes America a Christian nation? What would it mean to you and your family if we moved away from that? Continue praying for revival, and pray for the upcoming elections. May we honor God in our choices and the direction we move as a country.