“It seems that the next four years will be difficult ones for the USA, no matter which candidate won the election. One of the first adjustments missionaries make is to learn that political preferences and national pride should never be equated with Christianity.”

The first thing that happens after we have realised our election to God in Christ Jesus is the destruction of our prejudices and our parochial notions and our patriotisms; we are turned into servants of God’s own purpose. — Oswald Chambers

I was raised in a very patriotic home, was a member of a proud-to-be-an-American church, and was born and reared in a profoundly patriotic part of the USA. I suppose I grew up assuming that while the American and Christians flags represented different things, they could stand on the platform together on either side of the pulpit. My wife also grew up in an extremely patriotic military family; her dad retired from a decorated career as a Air Force fighter pilot. She grew up going to movies on bases where the national anthem was played before the movie began and all stood at attention out of respect and honor.

A flag-waving patriotism was instilled in both of us from our formative years forward — and then the Lord called us to international missions. Waving USA flags in some countries is not the best way to win friends and influence people, both of which missionaries seek to do. Since personal evangelism happens best in the context of deep personal relationships, unnecessary barriers to making them are minimized as much as possible.

Recent headlines about national anthem protests, racial tensions, and frustrations with political candidates and their debates spark strong opinions among our citizens on both sides of issues. These political debates, protests, and tensions move some to despair and others to anger — especially in the way some have chosen to demonstrate their protest. But whether or not you appreciate the form of protest someone chooses, one of the great things about our country is a person’s right to do so. Such freedoms do not exist in many countries of the world. I love our country and respect our flag, and I also love the freedoms that are ours in the USA. I was raised to honor those who serve us and protect our freedoms, and I taught my kids to do the same.

As a citizen of heaven

With this understanding, you will appreciate what a startling experience it was for me as a “red-blooded American” living in another country as a missionary to see my children lined up for school each morning along with the national students, hands on their hearts, reciting the pledge of allegiance to another country’s flag…and then singing a national anthem that wasn’t “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The first time I witnessed that I had to spend some time alone to process it.

As a missionary, I came to understand the truth encapsulated in the Oswald Chambers quote above. To obey the Great Commission effectively, I knew that I had to get my love of country and my personal preferences in proper perspective. I had always assumed that my kids’ rites of passage and teenage experiences would be the same as mine, but on the mission field any expectations of them getting drivers licenses at fifteen, hanging out with friends at Friday night football games, or going to senior proms needed to be contextualized. And there was peace in that. No sacrifice was felt about missing out on those things.

Serving Jesus far excels all cultural traditions, personal preferences, and American dreams.

Jesus did not say, “Go ye therefore and make good US citizens of all people.” Missionaries do not go out as ambassadors of the United States. Rather, they are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. In my family we were, and still are, very patriotic. We love our country and are thankful for it — even with all of the challenges it faces and will have to endure. But we are citizens of heaven and heirs with Christ first and foremost. Romans 13 teaches us to honor the government God allows, and as Christians we should be the best citizens.

Our country’s politicians, policies, protests, and the political preferences of media outlets will frustrate you. The killing of babies and innocent, unarmed people are equally abhorrent and will grieve and anger you. Most of us have ideas that we think would make this a better country, or at least make it resemble the one that arouses our patriotism. We should strive for equality, justice, and godliness in politics, but all the while remember that this country is not our home; we are just passing through. I’m thankful that God allowed me to grow up in the USA, but as a missionary I learned to temper my patriotism for the sake of global gospel advance.

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