Can we Love our Country Too Much?

 I am musing about this:

Can we love our country too much?

Is to love America to not love the world?

There seems to be those who think that it is wrong to be nationalistic; to really love and care about one's country.

First, are they right?

This is something we must all consider and evaluate.

Are we "worshiping our country"? Do we have it on too high of a pedestal? Are we valuing our nation above other nations in a way that somehow indicates that we do not genuinely care for the good of other nations?

Let us think about that.

(Pause)

(Ponder)

(Pray)

As I consider, I realize that God had a special love for His "chosen" people, His nation of Israel. He desired their obedience and wanted to bless them (to even gather them to Him as a Hen with her chicks). He had a plan for them. It was His hope, His desire, His plan, that ALL nations would be blessed through them.

So...do we acknowledge that we, in this beautiful blessed USA, are also BLESSED BY GOD THAT WE MIGHT BLESS OTHERS?

Blessed with a nation that is strong, free and safe.

As we are strong, do we help the weak?

 As we are free do we use our freedom to help those who are not?

As we are safe do we  safely reach out to others?

This analogy came to mind.

There is a fairly well off family in a poverty stricken neighborhood. The parents have opened their home to all the neighborhood kids. "Come" they say, "Eat our food, drink our water, make yourself at home, ask us any questions and we will listen and advise, use our car, our family is your family."  In time, their own kids realized that their parents, though they loved them, just did not have the time, energy and resources for them. They began to lose their sense of identity; to feel lost. The place became trashed. They were always out of food. Their was confusion and chaos. They meant well.

But then there was another family on yet another street. Same neighborhood. They provided for their own. They spent time with their kids, teaching them, advising them, listening to them. They cared for them physically. Their home was organized and clean (sometimes:). They had a heart for the neighborhood. They reached out. They invited them in for meals, they took time to call on them. They had funds to help as needed, and help they did. Their kids were involved in the outreach as well.  Above all, they prayed, acknowledging the source of their gifts and resources. They were prepared, equipped and impassioned. And they were effective.

And then there is this other family. The dad works. Sometimes. He has a rich uncle who told him that he would take care of them. But ....it's kind of a long story and I don't really like the ending..

One more family, lives in the same neighborhood, the next street over. Self made. Worked hard. Plenty of cash. Kids dressed nice, Take nice trips. Really "into their family". Mom and Dad occasionally wave to the neighbors. Their kids...I'm not sure they even notice their neighbors.

(Pause)

(Ponder)

(Pray)