Written by Rachel Smith
Imagine walking down the streets of a small town in 1942. You might notice a woman kneeling in a patch of tilled soil, planting beans and tomatoes, with a sign reading Victory Garden tied to her picket fence. Next door, a boy pulls a wagon loaded with bottle tops and tin cans. An elderly woman passes nearby as she counts out her precious ration cards to buy items at the store. You notice a blue star hanging in the window of the house across the street. One block away, a man slowly carries his lunch pail and tools up the front sidewalk of his house after working an overnight shift welding parts for tanks and weapons. Everywhere you look, there is seemingly normal everyday activity, but one common theme underscores all that you see. These people are patriots.
The word “patriot” grew rapidly in popularity during the Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783. It described the person who opposed and rejected British rule to gain independence. A patriot was driven by the ideals of republicanism and fair taxation, as well as the freedom to believe and worship God. These individuals often ended up serving in the war, whether by being a soldier on the front lines or a nurse tending to the wounded and dying. Some worked as couriers, sending communications between the commanding officers and soldiers. Some supplied food and medicine, as well as clothing and weaponry for the troops. All had to sacrifice their own well-being and resources to fill their place.
Patriot means “fellow countryman”. Today, we use the term to describe a person who loves and vigorously supports or defends their country. It speaks of strong devotion and loyalty, as well as active and constructive citizenship. As we look back on the United States’ history, we must now look at ourselves. Do we hold that same conviction and fervor toward our God-given rights and toward our spiritual freedom? We each have a duty and place to fill for both country and God.
Patriotism is shown in the simplest of ways for most citizens: respect the flag and those who serve, show up to vote during local and general elections, pay our fair share of taxes, engage in school meetings, contribute to our communities in volunteer work, obey the law and civil authority, be a helpful neighbor and co-worker. Very few people are asked to be the face of our nation, to speak behind a microphone, or to weigh matters of the law. Yet a fervent love toward the ideals of freedom will ensure we do all to live in accordance with those principles.
We should take those same ideas to our spiritual life. God may not ask you to fill a large place or be in a visible position. He may need you in a multitude of smaller ways. Or He may ask you to bear the responsibility of leading and working in a different direction than you are currently. He often takes our idea of how we should serve and hands us His perfect will. Whatever God needs from you, He will equip you. We all fill a different part, but there is one purpose to all that we do: a fervent love for God. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us that nothing should be done from selfish ambition or conceit, while Hebrews 13:21 tells us that God will equip us with what we need to do His good will. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all He asks through His strength.
The good that comes from loving service and sacrifice is measureless. It is beyond what we see and feel. The effect of a faithful worker reaches beyond their very life, years after they have left this world. Consider what America would have been if not for the patriots willing to do whatever was in their power to defend freedom. Consider what would become of the gospel if no one loved it enough to carry it out in their lives every day and defend it from wrong.
Be content where God has placed you. If it is in a quiet and unassuming place, be thankful that you are able to contribute to His cause with loving service. Let your example be a great help to others. Galatians 6:10- As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
In all you do, be faithful to work from a heart full of fervent love.
Be a patriot.