When describing how I feel about being American I would say that I don’t feel proud but rather blessed, happy or fortunate. It is not like I had anything to do with my country of origin. I don’t consider myself any better than someone living in Canada, Botswana or Sri Lanka. I’m not. I enjoy certain rights and privileges that some in other countries don’t enjoy but I am not better.
I believe that were are all equal and God does not show favoritism towards us because we live in the U.S.A. He doesn’t have favorites, he loves us all the same. As a Christian, I think the same way.
Today marks the 235th birthday of the States (July 4, 1776) so across the country millions are celebrating the birthday of arguably the most powerful country ever. Lighting off fireworks, getting together with family and friends and showing a little patriotism and pride for our country. But are we right in doing so? Are we any better than any other country? Just because I am an American, does it make me better? I don’t think so. I think we need to see people as individuals and not countrymen or foreigners. Not a color or class and not a Liberal or Conservative. We should only judge one another by our fruits (Matt 7:20, Gal 5:22-23). We will not be judged by our address but by our deeds.
From a Christian perspective, tell me if I am wrong and why you think so.
Blessings.
Christian Credentials 
July 4, 2011 at 4:23 PM
A fine statement. I too would reject the word “proud” but only because for some people the emotion becomes sinful pride.
I prefer to describe myself as being fortunate to be an American and happy to be one in the same manner as so many people of other nations feel about their countries.
When I was serving in the military I encountered a Pakistani soldier who was in the U.S. for three months for training. He was at the end of his tour and I asked if he was eager to go home. He went on for several minutes about his home and how much he missed it. Even though at the time Pakistan was a third world country, I learned that truly there is no place like home no matter where it is.
There is nothing wrong with being proud of one’s birthright so long as we understand the pride belongs equally to all of us regardless of nationality.
July 4, 2011 at 4:39 PM
Yeah, as a Christian I assume no special entitlement because I live in the United States.
Galatians 3:28 (Amplified Bible)
There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
I do believe in honoring the people of the Spirit above the non-believer though.
Thanks for commenting and yes, please share.
July 4, 2011 at 4:25 PM
May I share your statement with my Facebook friends?
July 4, 2011 at 6:19 PM
It’s not about the kind of pride that means arrogance. It’s about the pride that acknowledges with GRATITUDE the amazing sacrifices made by Christian patriots who built America and her guiding documents with Godly wisdom. It’s not about being better … It’s about being GRATEFUL, and that’s not to say I wouldn’t be grateful to have been born in India or China, or Poland. But I wasn’t! I was born an American – of Godly parents likewise grateful to have been born in America where government oppression, though corrupt and arrogant, continues to extend great mercy toward other peoples and nations. In my opinion, it is because of this “giving attitude” that God’s wrath is withheld. 🙂
July 4, 2011 at 6:27 PM
Hi Barb, I just think there are better feelings than pride. Pride implies a certain superiority and I don’t think that is biblical. A person can take “pride” in their work but it would be better to just “work as unto the Lord.” It doesn’t have to be a comparison.
I don’t feel that we can take credit for the “good” we do because there is nothing good in us. Only Christ. And it is His goodness that motivates us to do the works that were prepared for us before the foundation of the Earth.
July 4, 2011 at 6:27 PM
I guess what I am saying is- it doesn’t matter where we are from. What matters is where we are going.