Patriotism and Christian worship is believed by some to have no right being mentioned in the same sentence; though others might consider them very much of the same. I've struggled with it for a long time, feeling that we sometimes allow a lines between them to become overly blurred.

The Line Between Patriotism and Godly Worship

I guess the fact that it conflicts me is a good thing. I find it entirely appropriate that we pray for and acknowledge those men and women who have served and are serving our country while at church. Patriotic music that is not, first and foremost, rightfully placing God over country has no place in a worship setting, though. I hope that does not come across as disrespectful. I hold our service men and women in high regard and admire their courage, bravery and sacrifice. Just as a fear the blurred lines between patriotism and worship of our Lord and savior, I fear there are generations of people now among us that hold no understanding of what that service truly represents.

Do We Understand Patriotism? Do We Understand Worship?

Last fall, I had the honor of joining our local American Legion in a county fair parade. During that parade, we handed out small American flags to a line of observers along the massive parade route. It was awkward at first, but I quickly became comfortable with it. The main observation I made, though, is the response I got from recipients. Little kids wanted the flags because they were cool. Elderly participants wanted the flags because they were personally connected to the significance represented by the flag. This was even more true as I intentionally found those in wheelchairs or were otherwise physically impaired. The fact that I was acknowledging their existence probably meant almost as much as the flag. That was not so true of those in generations that would be considered tweeners. Many people of my age or perhaps a little older or a little younger begrudging took the flag when it was handed to them. They probably saw it as something else to carry at the fair – an inconvenience. This is the same generation that is supposed to be showing the way for those kids who enthusiastically took the flag and immediate began waving it with smiles broadly on their faces. I hope and pray they never lose that enthusiasm for their country. I also pray and hope they gain that same enthusiasm (and more so) for their God.

Seven Posts on Patriotism and/or Godly Worship

I like to do this for holidays. I have scoured many blog posts throughout the blog-o-sphere to find seven posts about memorial day that can help us gain genuine perspective, understanding, and help further refine us, on purpose. Feel free to share others in the comments of this post if you are so moved. Blessings and Happy Memorial Day!

• Thinking Theologically About Memorial Day (Kevin DeYoung via Christianity.com):

Pastor DeYoung offers a few insights on patriotism and the church. Among them: Being a Christian does not remove ethnic and national identities; Patriotism, like other earthly "prides," can be a virtue or vice; Allegiance to God and allegiance to your country are not inherently incompatible; God's people are not tied to any one nation; and While patriotism can be good, the church is not a good place for patriotism. As DeYoung mentions in his very first line, some people may be "unhappy" over one or more of his observations, but that doesn't make them any less relevant. A well-organized and though provoking read:

Earthly worship should reflect the ongoing worship in heaven. And while there are many Americans singing glorious songs to Jesus there, they are not singing songs about the glories of America. We must hold to the traditions of the Apostles in our worship, not the traditions of American history.

• A Memorial Day Devotion for Christians (Rob Barkman via Settled in Heaven Ministries)

Using John 15:12-14 as the backdrop, Barkman leads readers on an insightful look at how our Lord recognizes “the tremendous sacrifice involved when a person is willing to give up their life for their friend.” It is followed by an application and parallel understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for us all.

• Making Memorial Day About More Than Grills (Daniel Briggs via Alliance Defending Freedom)

Briggs, who serves as legal counsel and director of Military Affairs with Alliance Defending Freedom, offers a good perspective of what Memorial Day is and what it represents. As he points out and ponders, “Americans overwhelmingly support the military. But how well do they understand it?” We too-often forget that some of our military forfeit their identity to serve our country, whether that is appropriate or not.

• A Christian view of Memorial Day (Mark Lamprecht via Examiner.com)

Lamprecht shares his observations of corporate worship during occasions of patriotic occasions and offers us some insight on how we can worship God while also thanking Him for our country and freedoms. Not only does he remind us that there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Rom. 13:1-ESV), he shares a heartfelt prayer for the church, our service men and women, and protection of our freedoms.

• Some Gave All (Debbie Kitterman via Dare2Hear the Voice of God)

Debbie shares a heartfelt and moving story about being compelled to pray for the life and family of a person whose grave is being visited by two young men as she drove past. She later sought more information about the deceased individuals and found that he had served many years in military service. A wonderful story about listening to and being obedient to what God is saying to you.

• Perspective on Memorial Day & an Oddly Named Street (Chad Gramling via 1Glories).

Yeah, that’s right. I am sharing one of my own posts. This is one I wrote last year. It’s near and dear to my heart because it shares a bit of trivia about my hometown and a way that residents of my community – whether they know it or not – are observing Memorial Day every day they drive down the road and acknowledge an oddly names cross street.

• How Will You Honor the Fallen? Reviving Memorial Day (Eric Metaxas via Crossalk.com)

Metaxas offers some historical perspective on Memorial Day, how it has evolved, and suggests some ways we can get back to making it a time of remembrance and expression of gratitude. As he points out, it can be both a relaxing and enjoyable three-day weekend, but let us not neglect the sacrifices of those who made that extra time possible.