A church near my home town produces an annual July 4th Sunday service that’s as red-white-and-blue as any July 4th celebration anywhere. About the only trapping that’s missing is fireworks! For the production, dozens of American flags line the perimeter of the sanctuary; patriotic banners are draped across the choir loft banister and pew end caps; a spirited musical blares the militaristic theme songs of the respective armed force branches to honor veterans. Every song, prayer, and sermon feature celebrates America.

I was a visitor at this church for that July 4 service several years ago. As much as I’m proud to be an American and as much as I value our home land’s freedoms and privileges, I have to admit that I found the presentation overbearing. Not because it was patriotic, but because it exalted American nationalism, largely to the exclusion of Jesus. It was a reminder to me of the need for perspective when we consider the places in our hearts and our minds for our faith in Christ and for pride in country.

In today’s passage from Ezekiel, we see examples of the folly of nationalism. Egypt and Assyria, both objects of prophetic judgment in this passage, were once-upon-a-time powerful world empires, militaristic conquering nations who dominated their regions of the ancient world with force and savagery. But what became of their nationalistic prowess? Pride did them in! The Lord’s pronouncement against both of those nations in Ezekiel shows the folly of misguided nationalism.

Certainly, we are proud to be Americans. That’s the right way to be! Most of us wouldn’t want to live anywhere else on earth. But let’s remember that our most important citizenship is in the Kingdom of God, not the United States. Our most cherished freedom is freedom in Christ, not freedom of speech. The most dangerous enemy that confronts us is Satan, not the opposite political party. The most esteemed banner that we wave with pride is the banner of the Cross, not the banner of our national flag.

So perspective is everything! Let us continue praying that God will bless and preserve America, but moreover that his Kingdom will receive glory. In the end, either in our lives or at the end of time, the only Kingdom that will stand is the Kingdom of God.