Should Parents Raise A Patriot?
With all the controversy about decisions made by governmental leaders both now and after the election, many parents question whether or not they should teach patriotism to their children. They wonder if patriotism is merely blind acceptance of the ruling party's directives.
The decision about patriotism should begin with a look at its origin. The origins of the word "patriot" come from both Greek and Latin. By definition, a patriot is one who loves, supports, and defends one's country.
Bigger than the root meaning of the word "patriot" are the reasons many become patriots. America was founded by patriots -- men and women willing to give up everything for a cause greater than themselves! People who were willing to stand in the line of fire for their country; comfortable landowners willing to put everything on the line for the sake of their calling. Many, if not most of these founding patriots, went bankrupt in an effort to fund their call.
Why? The answer is their love for God, family, and country. Regardless of what modern day history books want us to believe, the motivation for their patriotism was their faith. They believed God was calling them to take a sacrificial stand - to become living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). They were willing to sacrifice "self" for the cause of freedom, faith and worship. The greatness of their calling was not in the formation of a new nation, but in the establishment of a country set apart to worship God.
To a Christian, patriotism is a call to sacrifice "self" in an effort to preserve the freedom of all citizens to worship God. It is ultimately a call to love your neighbor.
Joseph, the son of Jacob, might have been dismayed by the pagan Egyptian land where he was indentured, but still he served to the best of his ability. He spent himself and his skills to the utmost in order to bring glory to God.
Patriotism is a calling by God for the glory of God. It is profoundly inspirational and encouraging when, motivated to give glory to God through excellent service, a godly man or woman chooses to run for public office or to serve in the military.
The word "patriot" has a component that suggests paternal or father. Patriotism, at its best, is a sacrificial action that reflects the love and commitment of our heavenly Father. This kind of selflessness takes training.
No one is naturally selfless or grows up automatically wanting to give of themselves for a cause greater than themselves. We are members of a "what's in it for me" society because of our sinful humanity. True patriotism takes parental training.
The answer to the question "Should parents teach their children to be patriots?" is not about whether or not parents want to raise patriots, but the fact that parents are "called" to raise patriots. As parents we are mandated to raise a generation that will make the necessary sacrifices to change our country for the kingdom of God!