Is Jesus a Patriot?

“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” -Colossians 3:11

Happy 4th of July! This holiday is important to us because, well, we’re Youth for America. There’s certainly no shame in being proud of your country, and we are very blessed to minister in a place where we are not jailed or murdered for our beliefs.

But is there a limit?

There comes a point when having pride for your country becomes an idol. When we advocate the rights of United States citizens over those of other nationalities, simply because of where they come from, we have crossed the line. So also, our cries of “God bless America” carry no weight when we ourselves fail to bless the poor. Our Star Spangled Banner can become a symbol, not of freedom, but of hate when we think it makes us somehow superior to others.

If Jesus were ministering in person on earth today, would he be a patriot? Would he be a Republican? Would he be a Democrat? Would he tote American capitalism? Would he have a white picket fence and 2.5 kids? Would he drive a BMW? What would he think about America’s churches?

I think Jesus would have a bigger picture in mind. After all, he was concerned about the fate of the entire world. Be proud of where you live. Take advantage of freedom of religion. But don’t let red, white, and blue become an idol that keeps you from seeing God’s plan for the entire world. May Jesus be able to look at the Church in America and say, “Here there is not Republican and Democrat, clergy or laymen, upper class, lower class, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”