This past Wednesday evening, I attended an inspirational patriotic service at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The program featured the Master’s Men, a 100-men choir that performed their last concert after 42 years of service. Approximately 4,000 attended and were thrilled to hear the men, accompanied by a full orchestra, sing inspirational songs such as “God Bless America,” “How Firm a Foundation,” “Proud to be An American,” and “Midnight Cry.” The entire program reminded us to be grateful for the freedom we enjoy in America and, most importantly, for the ultimate freedom we have in Christ.

Unfortunately, many church leaders are hesitant to include any patriotic emphasis in their programs for fear of promoting nationalism. They express concern that any patriotic emphasis facilitates worship of the United States rather than worship of God. Indeed, worshipping the country would be idolatry and a legitimate concern. Yet, despite those who claim otherwise, I have not observed much nationalism in the church. However, I have encountered many Christians who are deeply concerned about the secular drift in our country. While patriotic, they certainly don’t worship America or put their eternal hopes in it. In fact, most are losing faith in America’s very survival. In this generation, when so many are focusing on our nation’s faults, indifference and ingratitude are of greater concern to me than idolatry.

Tomorrow is July 4^th, Independence Day. This day should be more than a holiday with cookouts and fireworks. Instead, it provides a good opportunity for American Christians to humbly express gratitude for God’s exceptional blessings on our country. At a time when America’s flaws are overemphasized, we would do well to give thanks for our nation’s unprecedented freedom. Our heritage doesn’t make us superior to people in other lands, but it does remind us: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48).

The Apostle Paul tells us to: “Give to everyone what you owe them…if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7). I believe honoring and giving thanks for America on July 4th is not worshiping America any more than honoring Mother’s Day is worshiping your mother. James 1:17 reminds us that every good gift comes down from God our Father. The United States of America has certainly been one of God’s exceptional gifts.

Those who ignore America’s unique Godly heritage are guilty of what C.S. Lewis once called “Chronological Snobbery.” Chronological snobbery is the arrogant conclusion that our generation is so enlightened that history has nothing to teach us. It’s turning a blind eye to valuable historical lessons and concluding we are so superior to previous generations that there is nothing to learn from them. The increasing disdain for America’s past on the part of academia, the media, and many within the church is chronological snobbery.

If you question America’s spiritual heritage, take a moment to ask yourself this simple question: “What other country?” What other country was founded by people whose stated purpose was “… for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith”? (Mayflower compact – 1620). What other nation’s founders stopped their initial deliberations to have a prayer meeting? What other country has the words “endowed by their Creator” written in its charter or “In God we trust” stamped on its currency or has freedom of religion as the first of its Bill of Rights? What other country has “Praise be to God” inscribed at the top of a monument erected in honor of the first president? What other country has a Bible verse inscribed on its Liberty Bell to commemorate its hard-fought freedom?

Leviticus 25:10 (KJV) reads in part, “…proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof…” July 4th is a day to proclaim liberty to our children and neighbors. Let’s praise God for the good gift He has given us in the United States of America. Let’s express appreciation for those who sacrificed so much to provide for and preserve our uncommon liberty. Let’s join with our forefathers and pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor to ensure that future generations will have the same privileges we have had.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free” – President Ronald Reagan.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we are his.; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good, and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:1-5).