I have a confession to make.  Some people may not be happy about what I have to say, but it’s my blog – who cares?  Here goes: I’m unpatriotic.

That’s right – you heard me: UNPATRIOTIC.

It bothers me that while my husband (and many other pastors) preach in churches all across the country, they do so standing next to an American flag.  It bothers me that on July 4th, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, Flag Day, etc. people in churches insist on singing “God Bless the USA” and “I’m Proud to be an American” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and many other songs about America.  It bothers me that people in our churches will INSIST that we show reverence to a flag and to our country during worship.  There’s really only one word to describe what goes on in many of the churches in our country: IDOLATRY.

Now, before you kick my butt from here to Canada, let me say that I LOVE the country I live in.  Because I was fortunate enough to be born in America, I have freedoms and “rights” that the vast majority of our neighbors on Earth don’t get to experience.  I love that I get to choose to go to school for the rest of my life (if I wanted to, which I don’t, but still).  I love that I get to choose (within reason) what I do for a living.  I can worship my God in public without fear of persecution.  I get to take advantage of many things our government provides, like parks, interstates, etc.  I am thankful for the soldiers who have fought in the name of my country and my fellow citizens so we could keep these freedoms.  I am humbled to know that so many have given their lives (and continue to do so) in order to keep me and other Americans safe and free.   I even like wearing a little red, white and blue on July 4th.

I am NOT someone who hates the USA.  I am NOT someone who hates the American government (although, come on – I really do hate paying so much in taxes!).  I am NOT someone who wishes she lived somewhere else.

I AM, however, someone who loves the Lord so much more.

Who decided it was appropriate for us to worship our COUNTRY in church?  Did no one read all those parts of the bible that warn about IDOLS?  A little patriotism and pride in our country can go a long way when it’s done in the church.  Why do we feel the need to overdo it?

Pay attention this weekend to how much attention is given to worshiping the Lord vs. the attention given to the flag and our country.  It makes me sad – especially to know that I would be virtually exiled if some people in our churches saw this post!  We are to be passionately worshiping GOD – not our flag.