The Christian Patriot

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE

What is your view of patriotism?
Do you consider yourself a patriot?
Do you pray for your country?

The Christian Patriot

One of the objectives of a Kingdom business should be to bring transformation to the community and the nation. The Biblical Entrepreneur is the engine, conduit, and ambassador of God’s economy; he is the provider of goods and services, job creator, taxpayer, tither, philanthropist, and shaper of values, and motivated to do so for the glory of God. 

Due to this, a Biblical Entrepreneur is a patriot. In fact, no one should be a greater patriot for their nation than a Biblical Entrepreneur. The challenge with patriotism is that some, due to a lack of understanding of what a patriot is, or due to the historical challenges of their nation, reject the notion of being a patriot. Others, out of regard for the great history of their nation, put their love for the nation above their love for the Kingdom of God. In some cases, there is simply a misunderstanding of how to be a patriot for one’s country of birth or residence, without compromising allegiance to the Kingdom of God.

A patriot is one who loves, supports, and defends their nation. A Christian patriot is a citizen of heaven who is committed to bringing the Kingdom of God to earth, beginning with the country where they reside. They do this, both out of their commitment to the Kingdom mandate, and their sincere love for their country and its citizens.

The Apostle Paul was a Christian patriot. Although he was born a Jew and a Roman citizen, He recognized that his true citizenship was not of this world. Yet – his commitment to bring the Kingdom of God to both Israel and the Gentiles was unparalleled. His sincere love for the nations was birthed out of the mandate he received from his Commander in Chief. 

The Apostle Paul never compromised Kingdom values in his effort to demonstrate his love and support for Israel. He recognized that the best way to show love to the nation of Israel was to show Israel the ways of the Kingdom. Although he recognized Israel’s limitations and errors, he still celebrated its achievements and God’s favor upon the nation.

Unfortunately, some Christians do not have a balanced view of patriotism. As a result, they either put their love for their country above their commitment to the Kingdom of God – or they may think that their commitment to the Kingdom of God demands that they reject their country. 

Fortunately, it is not an either-or proposition, since Christian patriots are called to demonstrate their commitment to the Kingdom by their love for the country where they reside.

How can you exemplify Christian patriotism?

1. Develop a Kingdom worldview – Matthew 6:33
2. Understand the Kingdom mandate – Mathew 28:18-20
3. Pray for your nation, including its leaders – Romans 10:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-2
4. Celebrate the achievements of the country – Ezra 6:13-16; Nehemiah 12:27-43
5. Confront the unrighteousness of the country – Romans 10:3
6. Enjoy the blessings and privileges of the country – Jeremiah 29:4-7
7. When given the opportunity, share the good news – Romans 10:9-11

Christian patriotism is not easy, but it is necessary. It is essential if we are to achieve the mandate of Christ in every nation. For those of us who reside in a nation where there is a historical commitment to Judeo-Christian principles, we must remember never to make the mistake that the Jews made in the time of Jesus. They valued their traditions and achievements more than the God who gave them the traditions and achievements. 

For those who reside in a nation where there has been historical injustice, we must remember not to be so angered by the injustice that we forget how God has worked throughout the history of that country. Also, remember that as Christian patriots, we are called to be grateful while demonstrating the love of Christ.

Are you a Christian patriot in your country of residence? 

My prayer for you is that God will show you His love for your nation and that He will give you practical ways to demonstrate that love, without compromising Kingdom principles, through your business.