What is Patriotism?

What is Patriotism?
In this examination I will be using Merriam-Webster's online dictionary for all definitions.

Patriotism, according to Merriam-Webster's dictionary is love and devotion to one's country. The word comes from the Greek patris, meaning fatherland. Many of us view patriotism as a necessary responisbility of our citizenship of the country in which we live. We look at each other and expect no less than an unwavering loyalty and sacrificial attitude toward our country. We believe the meaning of being a patriot is to go so far as dying for the country in which we live. Today I challenge each one of you in asking, is Patriotism really Idol Worship?

To understand the question, we must first examine the meaning of Idol worship. Let's break it down in steps.

Definition of IDOL--
1 : a representation or symbol of an object of worship; broadly : a false god
2 a : a likeness of something b obsolete : pretender, impostor
3 : a form or appearance visible but without substance ..
4 : an object of extreme devotion
5 : a false conception : fallacy

Definition of WORSHIP--
1 chiefly British : a person of importance —used as a title for various officials (as magistrates and some mayors)
2 : reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also : an act of expressing such reverence
3 : a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual
4 : extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem ..

Clearly Idol worship from these two definitions would mean Extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of extreme devotion.
What object represents the government? The flag of course, but there are many more objects in the nation's capitol.

Of course there is a difference in being involved in the political process and becoming fanatical over the government itself. In the end we should be careful not to be drawn too deeply into these things. As a Christian who will constantly grow and change in Christ, it was very hard for me to question what it means to be a patriot.

(Matthew 22:21) “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”.

In a nutshell, pay your taxes, vote, and respect the government, but do not become so involved that it envelopes your life. When it is doing something you do not approve of, pray and voice your opinion but do not become violent. We should be obsessed in our faith alone, but even our faith is no excuse for violence.