When we show love, devotion, pride and honor toward our country we are exhibiting patriotism. As a young adult in the United States of America, I have discerned there are definable actions and behaviors that embody a proper U.S. patriot.
The United States Flag: A symbol of God-provided freedom, as well as justice, sacrifice and, above all, national patriotism established on a Biblical foundation. Photo courtesy of Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Since its establishment on July 4, 1776, the United States of America has endured victories and hardships, and these points in history define our country’s patriotism. Today’s media reports that the Godly patriotic principles our country was founded on are diminishing. However, this is a false agenda; there are U.S. citizens and young adults, including myself, who are still strong patriots and strive to keep patriotism alive. _________________________________________________________________ As a senior in college I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn and observe over the years what makes a United States patriot. Despite the slander our culture promotes about American patriotism, I choose to exemplify being a patriot to my family, friends and community, by being diligent in honoring and learning about my country. From what I have experienced I believe a true U.S. patriot is realizing and understanding that the United States is God’s sovereign nation and that through the Founding Fathers He has allowed our nation to continue to prosper. I also believe being a patriot means voting for political candidates and agendas that align with God’s word and being diligent in performing God-honoring civic duties. The United States of America was solely established because God’s hand was over the nation as the Founding Fathers went through the process of their exodus from Great Britain. As explained by Christian Bible Study, “It is not just a civic duty to love and support America, it is also a Christian duty.” Recently one of Missouri Baptist University’s Chapel speakers, renowned author Os Guinness, solidified this perspective and provided evidence that the basics of patriotism begin with and uphold their foundation in Godly principles. Additionally, the Bible points us to understand as well in Psalm 33:12-22: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage. The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.” As a patriot and U.S. citizen, I desire to be an advocate for American ideals as our Founding Fathers had intended. The sacrifices of the Founding Fathers set the precedent for American patriotism in the past and present. As a former Stars and Stripes Award Recipient of American Heritage Girls, a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls ages 5-18, I had the opportunity to become more educated on why America is God’s sovereign nation and how American patriots should behave. The AHG oath states: “As an American Heritage Girl, I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country, and serve in my community.” Since completing the AHG program with honorable accomplishments I have carried these words with me and have truly taken them to heart. For me, as a U.S. patriot there is nothing more important than taking pride in the words outlined in the AHG oath. I personally think AHG instills in young girls the importance of taking pride and devotion in their country. From my participation in the program for seven years, I can attest that AHG provided me with knowledge and with an enthusiastic heart for the U.S. Therefore I show patriotism by voting for candidates and legislation that align with Godly guidelines, believing those politicians will do their best to make the best decisions for my country. I pray for the selfless patriots of our country – those who defend and protect our nation, specifically, those who serve in the military and first responders who protect our communities. These brave men and women have fought for our nation with an increased measure of devotion and patriotism. With different life experiences, there is a possibility that people may view the makeup of patriotism adversely to what I do, however, these personal examples from my life have set the precedent for how I will continue to exemplify being a patriot going forward. I have observed that to be a God-honoring patriot of the United States one must be bold while also being respectful. God has blessed me with the opportunity to live in a free country that he established. Therefore, I feel it is my duty to God and society to honor my country by standing up for the freedoms he provided us through the vessel of the Founding Fathers. My future goal is to help educate my friends, family and community on the importance of being an American patriot by spreading the truth about my country in all circumstances, and by never surrendering my foundational rights to political agendas that don’t support Christian values and politicians who govern adversely than how the Founding Fathers had intended. Throughout history God’s hand has been over the U.S. I truly believe He chose this country to carry out his divine purposes. As Christ followers He has given us the responsibility to not only uphold His gospel mission, but to do so in our own sovereign nation. Thus, as we continue to live under the Framers’ precedents of our nation, we always hope to continue to grow stronger as we continue to learn what makes U.S. citizens strong God-honoring patriots within the United States of America.
Triston Buckley 
Emily Retzer