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A recurring theme in the Old Testament is the people of Israel’s fluctuating obedience to God. At times, they were faithful, and at other times, they drifted, often quickly. One of the best examples of faithfulness is Joshua. He served the Lord and made it clear that his family would do the same. Following Joshua’s leadership, the people (all of Israel) said they would follow God too, but within a generation, that changed.
The stories of Israel moving from the wilderness into the Promised Land are full of strong followers of God, but also weak and disobedient kings. There is a pattern: God blesses those who follow Him, but judgment always follows disobedience. That is not just an Old Testament idea. It still applies today. God uses individuals and even entire nations to carry out His plans. Since the beginning, He’s ruled over kings and empires (Col. 1:16-17). Nothing happens without His hand.
It would be wrong to say any nation today is fully Christian. However, some countries, such as the United States, were shaped by Christian beliefs. The Founding Fathers did not all agree on which denomination was correct, but most of them recognized the importance of Christianity.
Patrick Henry and James Madison held differing views on the role of religion in government, but both acknowledged that the Christian faith was deeply ingrained in the American people. Many laws still relevant today were formed based on faith.
The American Revolution did not happen without the influence of Christianity. George Washington often spoke of God’s guidance through divine providence. John Witherspoon, a pastor and signer of the Declaration of Independence, reminded the people that liberty and faith go together. Many of the Patriots believed God was on their side. They were not perfect, but they believed in something bigger than themselves. “An Appeal to Heaven” was not just a motto; it was a prayer for God’s help.
Since those early days, America has had its highs and lows. However, when things are tough, you often see Americans come together with a renewed sense of pride and thankfulness. That is not just patriotism. It is connected to faith.
Patriotism, at its best, is not just love of country. It is love for the values the country was built on: truth, justice, and dependence on God. Patriotism is proudly declaring Christianity, an obedience to Christ, and embracing the motto of God, Family, and Country.
The early Patriots followed the examples of Joshua and David. They were not relying on their own strength. They prayed. They trusted in God in battle and formed a “more perfect union” based on Christian principles.
Such a mindset has faded in many ways today, but some are starting to see it again. Across the country, there is a fresh interest in the roots of our freedom and how God was involved from the beginning.
If the people of America want to be a blessed nation, it will not come from politics or money. It will come from people turning back to God, not just in words, but in daily life. If God is not the Lord of the nation, there will be no lasting blessing.
Conservatives cherish the Fourth of July, as Ronald Reagan noted, but its existence, past and present, is intrinsically linked to God’s providence, something we must never forget.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” (Psalm 33:12).
