Submitted by: John Waddey(650) firstcenturychristian Log in to become a member of John Waddey's Fan Club!
On this Fourth of July, as I pondered the state of our nation I could not help but think of Patriotism. In the current election campaign we hear much talk about patriotism. For those of our neighbors who lived through and served in World War II, the word, "patriotism" has a clear, distinct meaning. For many of our citizens born since that time we must define the term and show the need for patriotism. The basic meaning of patriotism is love for and loyalty to one's homeland. John Ruskin observed that loyalty is "The noblest word in the catalog of social virtues..." "Love of county is one of the loftiest virtues: and so treason against it has been considered among the most damning sins" (E. A. Storrs).
In every age liberty "has been beset by its natural enemies, by ignorance and superstition, by lust of conquest and by love of ease, by the strong man's craving for power and the poor man's craving for food" (Lord Acton). We must understand that patriotism in the hearts of its citizens is essential for the survival of a nation. "No government is safe unless it is protected by the good will of the people" (Nepos). A nation whose citizens no longer cherish it or care for its survival, is like a dead and rotted tree. Eventually it will be blown down or collapse of its own weight.
* At its root, patriotism is love of ones native land. Francois de Thou said, "After what I owe to God, nothing is more dear or more sacred than the love and respect I owe to my country."
* The patriot understands that his first duty to his nation is to be virtuous and honorable in his private and social life and in his business activities. "Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private virtue, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics" (John Adams). Whether in private life or politics, reprobates, dishonest people and criminals are rarely found to be patriotic.
* A true patriot will not speak evil or his nation when in the midst of other people, especially among the enemies of his homeland. Nor will he honor or respect those who do so.
* He will respect the sacred customs and traditions of his native land. Days set apart to honor his nation, such as Independence Day, he will respect and honor.
* He will honor and respect the symbols and memorials of his land. He will show his respect to the nation's flag and never abuse it for any cause. He will value, appreciate and honor those sites sacred to the founding and triumphs of the nation.
* He will stand in reverent awe when he visits the cemeteries where past heroes and patriots now rest.
* A patriot magnifies the good of his nation and works to clean up any blemishes found in her.
* He shares his love of country with his children, grand-children and friends. He wants them to know the joy and honor he has in being an American.
* A patriot is never ashamed of his American citizenship. He is proud of the privilege that is his.
* A patriot respects those who are true patriots and holds in contempt those who harm or betray his homeland.
* He will not promote any law or action that will be detrimental to the welfare of his nation.
* He will not allow his quest for wealth, success or power to weaken or harm his nation.
* A patriot understands that no earthly nation has an unqualified guarantee of perpetual existence. As John Adams said, "Remember, a democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." Thus the patriot is dedicated to making the nation wholesome and good. He is watchful and vigilant against all things that might undermine her foundations.
* He understands that there will always tyrants, dictators and hostile nations that would like to see his homeland wasted, defeated or subdued. Thus he is willing to do his part for the defense and protection of his nation. Some patriots will serve in her military, others will sacrifice to see that her military is properly supported and supplied. He will never lend aid or comfort to the enemies of his nation. No bribe could purchase his loyalty to America.
* The heart of every patriot swells with pride when he hears the sweet words, "My country tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty...Land where my fathers died, Land of the Pilgrim's pride, From every mountain side, Let freedom ring."
* Let each of us conduct himself so that when our eulogy is given, they will say, "This man was a true patriot."
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