A few years back, our then president made a statement that enraged many. He said that America was no longer a Christian nation. Since I’m a Christian, I felt a little miffed by the thought that we were no longer considered Christian. When you get right down to it, God isn’t available just for the United States. He loves the entire world. He loved us all so much that he sent His only Son to pay the price for our freedom from sin.

The founders were wise in establishing a separation of church and state. This allowed all faiths to come to America knowing they would have the freedom to worship as they pleased. That there would be no repercussions for doing so. When we say we are a Christian nation or a Jewish nation, an Atheist nation or a Muslim nation, we’re making our country like an exclusive country club with closed doors to those deemed unsuitable.

As we look back at our history we can see how those original references to God and Christian morality have been eroded and corrupted.  Still we maintain the ability to go to worship where ever we choose.  We can keep big government away from interference in areas that separate us in the first place.

I know there are many who might disagree with me, but I don’t feel I’m the only one entitled to God’s grace.  I’m not entitled at all.  In fact I’m unworthy to even enter His presence.  The gift of grace is just that – a gift.  It was given without any strings attached.  My responsibility is grounded in the fact that I should be so overjoyed with the gift that I want others to know all about it too. If there were limitations on my ability to do that, my God would not be any the less powerful.  He is able to get His Word out there without my intervention.  It’s with His help that we can be used as instruments to do His will.

So as we celebrate our freedom, let’s not forget to thank God for our country.  It isn’t perfect, but God instituted government to create order out of chaos, so we must remain respectful of it.  That doesn’t happen when we tear down monuments or turn our backs on the flag.  Patriotism is something that should live in our hearts for all time.