How can I love my country when it seems like it is falling apart?
How do we love our country when it seems like it is falling apart? No matter what side of the political aisle you are on, you must admit that it feels like our country is skidding out of control. We are more divided than ever. Our leaders seem less and less competent, and it seems as if widespread corruption rules the day. With this being the case, we must ask: is there any room for patriotism or love for our country when people are more critical now than ever?
C.S. Lewis, in his book The Four Loves, makes a very compelling argument for Christian patriotism. He begins by stating:
"First, there is love of home, of the place we grew up in or the places, perhaps many, which have been our homes; and of all places fairly near these and fairly like them; love of old acquaintances, of familiar sights, sounds, and smells... As the family offers us the first step beyond self-love, so this offers us the first step beyond family selfishness... Of course, patriotism of this kind is not in the least aggressive. It asks only to be left alone. It becomes militant only to protect what it loves. In any mind which has a pennyworth of imagination, it produces a good attitude towards foreigners. How can I love my home without coming to realize that other men, no less rightly, love theirs?"
Our patriotism does not and should not be rooted in our government officials who so often fail. Our patriotism should not be rooted in our love for our democracy but rather first and foremost in appreciation for the blessings that we have been given by God in our native land. Each country's residents will have different answers to this question, and it allows us to be flexible in our love. Our love or admiration, being rooted in the homeness of home, allows us to acknowledge the imperfections and at the same time still feel a fondness for this place we call home. When I think of America, I do not think primarily of Washington D.C. or New York City or Los Angeles but I think of Bristol, FL. I think of Liberty County. I think of the kind neighbors that I have around me. I think of the teachers at my child's school. I think of my church family. I think of the freedoms I have and am grateful for. So even as our nation is in decay, I can celebrate and love the good gifts I have.
But the love I have will lead me to action to protect and uphold those things. Because I love my children, I am prepared to defend them if anyone tries to harm them. Because I love my home, I am prepared to secure it if attacked. Because I love my country, I am prepared to speak up and take the action I think necessary to improve and protect it.
I would conclude: yes, there is room to love our country. But love has demands. Love works for the betterment of the beloved. Love does not allow decay and destruction. I can love my country and you can too.