For God and Country

The faithful look forward to a heavenly country which God has prepared for them (Heb 11:16; Php 3:20-21). At the same time, Christians have obligations toward their earthly country and its authority figures (1 Pet 2:13-17). It can be difficult at times, merging our duties of patriotism with our Christian devotion. I believe many in our country identify more as “Americans that happen to be Christian” rather than “Christians that happen to be American.” Perhaps you’ve also struggled, trying to pinpoint where one allegiance ends and the other begins. The Bible tells of the loyalties Christians are meant to have toward God and country.

For Country: Obey Laws & Pay Taxes

The Bible teaches that we must be subject to the governing authorities, recognizing their divine right to rule (Rom 13:1). Acts of rebellion against your country’s leaders can be characterized as disobeying God’s orders (Rom 13:2-5). In fact, the only time we are justified in disobeying government comes when we are unable to obey both government and God – more on this later. Our required duties of submission would include paying taxes (Rom 13:6). Our Lord, the Master Teacher, once answered a question regarding paying taxes (Mark 12:13-17). We give to the government the currency which bears their images. Meanwhile, we give ourselves to our God, understanding we bear His image (Gen 1:26-27). This is a far more profitable pursuit than amassing material goods (Psa 37:16-18; Matt 6:19-21; 1 Tim 6:6-19). Don’t use anger over laws or taxation as an excuse for wickedness. Realize that even the most oppressive of tax policies cannot force you to reduce your faithfulness to God.

For Country: Fear & Honor Authorities

The Bible teaches that we owe our country’s leaders proper reverence and respect (Rom 13:7). Too often Christians can be heard mocking leaders with which they disagree – I know I’ve been guilty of this at times. We should stop and consider how wicked the Caesars were in the first century. They opposed and persecuted the church, yet the apostles did not speak evil of them. Furthermore, God’s Word instructs us to fear and honor rulers and authorities (Prov 24:21; Titus 3:1-2). This is a tall order! It is okay to disagree but resist the temptation to disrespect or attack someone personally.

For Country: Pray for Leaders

The Bible teaches that we should lift up our governing officials before God in prayer (1 Tim 2:1-3). Presidents, judges, mayors, and other leaders fill difficult roles and carry heavy responsibilities. Even if you didn’t vote for and don’t support an individual, they need your prayers! Pray for them to promote the country’s well-being and their spiritual well-being. We must continue to desire each one’s good, just as our God does (1 Tim 2:3-4; 2 Pet 3:9). Remember, political party preferences do not make a soul less valuable. It is always healthy to consider that God is Ruler of All and that His followers are not of this world (Psa 47; Dan 4:17; John 15:18-19).

For God: Obey Him Above All

The law of the land is to be obeyed (Rom 13:1; Tit 3:1). God’s law is to be obeyed (1 Cor 7:19; Rev 22:14). Where we cannot obey both, we must choose to obey God rather than men (Acts 4:19; 5:29). We have an excellent example in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego (Dan 3). You can see how their refusal to bow down and worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image was less about disobeying the king and more about their being obedient to God. Remember, every earthly master has a Master above him (Eph 6:9; Col 4:1). We need to recognize God as the supreme authority and give Him our highest allegiance. He is the righteous judge of all the earth (Gen 18:25; 2 Tim 4:8). We must submit to God, knowing the rewards of obedience and the punishments of disobedience (Deut 30:15-20). Those who obey God will be blessed (Psa 119:1-2).

For God: Love Him Above All

As grateful citizens, we love our country and those who make sacrifices for our nation’s freedoms. Even so, we must realize that no earthly nation will be eternal. Only the word of the Lord is forever (Isa 40:6-8). His kingdom is eternal (Dan 2:44; Luke 1:31-33). We also recognize the greatest of sacrifices, Christ given for us (John 3:16; Rom 5:8). As His followers, we find our abode in His holy nation for we are not of this world (John 18:36; 1 Pet 2:9). The Lord Christ declared the great commandment, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt 22:36-37). We love God above all and stand in awe of His incredible love and care for us (Eph 2:4-7; 1 Jn 4:9, 19). What’s more, in connection with what we have previously noted, love and obedience go hand in hand (John 14:15, 21; 2 Cor 5:14-15).

For God: Trust Him Above All

We see government’s designated role includes providing for their citizens’ peaceful and orderly existence (Rom 13:3-4). However, we cannot fully rely on human authorities for this. Many leaders have corrupted themselves, becoming terrors to good works rather than evil. We can rely on God to always be just (Deut 10:17-18; 1 Pet 1:17). Besides that, understand that no earthly leader or nation can provide for your soul’s peace with God. Your favorite political leader is no Messiah! We have Christ as our hope (Rom 5:1-2; Heb 6:17-20). At all times, and especially in times of uncertainty, unrest, or upheaval – we place our trust in the living God (1 Tim 4:10).

Christians will continue to look forward to a prepared dwelling place with the Father (John 14:1-4). Meanwhile, we will strive to be well pleasing to our God (2 Cor 5:8-10; Php 1:21). Let us always be Christians first, understanding submission to our nation as a part of our submission to God (Rom 13:2). The Bible instructs us in the loyalties we must have for God and country. May we prayerfully obey!