As I have been witnessing the amazing things that the Lord is doing in the church that I pastor, the Holy Spirit has confronted me with wrong attitudes and thinking that I embraced. One area of conviction has to do with my patriotism.

To understand my patriotism, you need to know that I was born into the home of a career Army soldier. I grew up on and around military bases. A strong sense of God and country has always been a part of my environment. When I came to Christ as a freshman engineering student, I entered into an evangelical world with an even stronger sense of patriotism.

Lately I have been bothered by my patriotism. It almost seems heretical to even say that. But as the Spirit has been working in my life and exposing issues that are hindering my walk with Christ, He has clearly pointed out the idolatry of my patriotism. I have ignorantly place my devotion to a concept of America on the same level with the God of the Universe. I have lifted up both the cross and the flag.

The conviction of the Holy Spirit has brought me to a realization of my idolatry. The Lord states

I am the Lord, that is My name;
    And My glory I will not give to another,
    Nor My praise to carved images. Isaiah 42:8 (NKJV) (also see Isaiah 48:11)

I have been placing my concept of America on par with the Lord. In fact, I have actually placed my concept of America above God. For example, I tend to get really irritated with anyone who wants to change what “my” America should be. I have come to realize that my offense at the cultural wars is actually greater than any feelings or thoughts I might have toward those who blaspheme the name of the Lord. In fact, I am pretty tolerant of those who trash my God, but don’t you mess with my country.

The reality that I have had to face is that my evangelical concept of what America should be has become a god to me. And the Holy Spirit has been telling me that “My glory I will not give to another.” As I have been confronted with my idolatry, I have had to make the following changes in my thinking:

1.    My loyalty and worship belongs only to Jesus Christ.
2.    I must not share that loyalty and worship with my concept of America.
3.    I must not assume that my concept of America is God’s will.
4.    I must recognize that America, as with other nations, will one day bow the knee to Jesus.

Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:14 ( NKJV )