America: Beautiful and Imperfect

[Or, some notes on why why we don’t celebrate the Fourth of July in Church]

Some churches in China display a portrait of Xi Jinping instead of Jesus. In Nazi Germany, many churches were decked out in swastikas.

Why is this wrong? Because of the holiness of worship, or because America is different?

America is different. In this country, we have an unusual freedom to worship, and in the American ideal we discover some convictions unique to Christianity.

It's for that reason that many churches in America are comfortable with an American flag in the sanctuary, singing hymns that celebrate God and the nation, and so forth.

But we don't do any of those things.

It's not that America is off limits. In the past we have expressed our gratitude to be living here. We have prayed for elected officials. And we have been critical of certain decisions and actions.

But on some Sundays, when in many churches brave vets are standing up to be recognized, when Memorial Day and Independence Day are marked on Sundays -- sometimes at Peak, there is not even a mention.

Why not?

There are a lot of reasons. Here's one that came up this morning in my prayers.

     I live as an alien in the land;
        do not hide your commandments from me (Psalm 119:19).

We're pilgrims, ambassadors here but citizens of another country. That other country is revealed in Christian worship, and it's essential we not confuse the two countries.

Another reason: belief and allegiance are not separate. Sometimes as Americans we say we believe in God, but pledge allegiance to the nation. This cannot be. We cannot have two masters. God alone deserves our allegiance.

Here's a third reason why we don't weave America into our worship of the one true God -- for America's own sake.

If we see America for what it is -- a temporary, imperfect yet beautiful union -- then we're in a better spot to "stand beside her, and guide her" through the complexities of this time of waiting, between the Spirit's descent, and Jesus' final return.

Personally, I'm grateful to be able to preach, and at times publicly critique, and not get arrested. I'm grateful for the unusual brilliance and care that went into the founding of this still young nation. And I'm grateful for the courage of women and men who have served in the armed forces -- an example of the kind of courage we can muster for what we truly believe in.

And it's because of this gratitude that I am vigilant never to let our holy worship get confused or muddled with national pride.

- Pastor Eddy