Patriotism is a vital aspect of any progressive nation.  Love and loyalty to one's native land is a prerequisite for its survival.  No country can be strong unless its people are committed to its strength.  This strength is defined not so much in terms of military might as in moral and ethical integrity.  The mighty weapons of war are self destructive in the hands of people with little character.  A truly powerful nation will have good and Godly reasons for its actions.  Its motivation will be one of compassion rather than conquest.  It will inspire the patriotism of its people through humanitarian causes.  Its citizens will be proud of the discipline and the devotion required to be "one nation under God." After all, true patriotism recognizes the role of both God and country in the organization of human life.

It is indeed a blessing from God that we have a country of which we can be proud.  Of course, this does not mean we condone everything our government proposes.  We do not accept the many evils of our nation.  We are grateful, however, for the freedom to speak out against that which is wrong.  We are free to pursue God and goodness with as much spiritual ambition as we wish to express.  We are free to worship God, and we allow others to worship God in ways consistent with one's conscience.  Freedom is a shared commodity which we must give to one another.  No country is truly free if intolerance and prejudice prevail.  Laws for freedom are at the mercy of people willing to practice them.  Religious freedom always inspires patriotism as we make a strong commitment to both God and country.