Can a person become too patriotic?

Can a person become too patriotic? Can his love of country and honor for those who serve in its military become idolatrous? I ask these questions because, in some cases, it seems to be happening right here in America.

What do I mean? Those who have lived in this land for as long as I have have certainly seen the shift in public opinion from one extreme to the other. In the '60s and '70s citizens were burning the U.S. flag and spitting on those who served in the military during the unpopular police action in Vietnam. Yes, like the Korean Conflict, it wasn't a declared war but a police action to drive back the invading communist fighters. It was a sad time for America, and the lack of honor for those who served was deplorable.

Compare that to now and it's hard to believe the change which has come over Americans. Now, we are honoring those who served in Vietnam and all wars. Instead of burning the flag, people are beginning to respect the symbol for America and to honor it. I certainly appreciate the change in attitude but wonder if it is possible that things could be going too far?

I ask this question because I see servicemen and women being almost deified. It is as though serving a stint in the military is enough to make one a saint and guarantee him or her a place in heaven. And our nation, too, in spite of all its troubles, is often viewed as always right and the champion of all that is good in the world. It is held up as the example and model of what all nations should become. And to speak a word against America is almost viewed as heresy, making one deserving of being burned at the stake.

All one has to do is look at what people are posting and saying on social media -- whether it be on a national holiday or any other day -- to see the near deification of America and all who serve or have served in the armed forces of this nation. If one voices support for America and its troops no matter where they are stationed or what their mission might be, it is liked and shared. If one is critical of a soldier's actions or points out injustices, unconstitutional practices or failed policies of America and its political and military endeavors around the world, he can expect criticism and negative posts and comments.

Why the change in views toward America and the newfound respect for those who serve in the military? I truly don't think those affected even know. I suspect it is more of the politically correct thing to do and the popular opinion of the time. It may even be an overreaction against the views of the hippie days when the flag and the uniform were disdained. One thing is almost certain: For most, it is not a deeper understanding of America's history, constitutional government or God-given responsibilities. It seems the new generation is pretty much ignorant of such things.

The danger in all this, of course, is that our people, ignorant of the Constitution and the principles held by America's founders, will accept the views and actions of government without regard for whether they are morally right or not. And those who point out the errors of our government when it rejects God and His commandments, protects the murder of our unborn and provides for the termination of the elderly, redefines marriage and prohibits speech which points out the sinful and erring ways of our people face the threat of punishment in one form or another.

The fact is that military service in itself does not make one honorable. One can serve in the military and still be a scoundrel in regard to his relationship with God and his dealings with his fellow man. I've known both. And, most importantly, military service of itself does not earn anyone a right standing with God -- that comes only when one by the grace of God repents of his sinful and erring ways and looks in faith to Jesus Christ for pardon and forgiveness.

And, though it is the popular view to honor the flag, join in the Pledge of Allegiance and say, "God bless America," honesty requires that we also point out the sins of America and the sins of its people. Honesty requires that the coming judgment of God upon America and its people for its rejection of the true God and its protection and endorsement of abortion and other abominable acts be proclaimed. True patriotism is to love one's country enough to speak up when it has taken a course leading to God's judgment and destruction.

So, yes, respect the flag and honor those who have served; but remember too that our nation is a nation made up of sinful people. We are far from perfect. And, we have grievously sinned against the God who created mankind and gives governments their powers. If our nation does not repent and return to God, America too will fall and join the many nations which have fallen before us and await the final judgment of the Almighty God! And, along the way, honorable servicemen and servicewomen may sometimes have to say no to orders and missions for conscience sake if or when our government issues orders contrary to God's commands. "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:49).

Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.