Christ Above Country: A Kingdom-First Allegiance for the Christian Patriot
Christ First Not Country First is not a rejection of patriotism, military service, or love of country. It is a biblical call to place our highest allegiance where it belongs, in Jesus Christ and His eternal Kingdom.
Scripture Focus
Philippians 3:20 (GNT)
“We, however, are citizens of heaven; and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven.”
Introduction: When Love of Country Meets Love of Christ
Many believers love their country deeply. Some have fought for it. Some have buried brothers and sisters who died protecting it. That kind of sacrifice should never be mocked or dismissed.
Loving your country is not sin.
Serving your country is not sin.
Caring about leadership and direction is not sin.
But for the Christian, there is a higher allegiance. There is a greater Kingdom. There is a King who sits above every president, every parliament, every empire, and every nation that has ever existed.
The Christian does not live America first.
The Christian lives Christ first.
God Understands the Protector Mindset
Many veterans and protectors are wired to defend, guard, and stand watch. Scripture actually honors that instinct. God Himself is described as a protector, defender, and warrior.
Psalm 18:2 (GNT)
“The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe.”
Protection is not the problem.
The question is: What are we protecting first?
If our highest loyalty becomes a nation, a political system, or an administration, we risk shifting our spiritual chain of command.
For the believer, the order is clear:
Christ is King
Earthly authority is temporary and subordinate
Governments Are Temporary. Christ Is Eternal.
Scripture never presents governments as ultimate hope.
Daniel 2:21 (GNT)
“He controls the times and the seasons; he makes and unmakes kings; it is he who gives wisdom and understanding.”
Romans 13:1 (GNT)
“Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission.”
This means something powerful and sobering:
God is not surprised by elections.
God is not threatened by administrations.
God is not losing control when culture shifts.
If God allows or ordains leadership, then our hope cannot rise and fall with political outcomes.
The Mission of the Church Is Not Political Conversion
Christ First Not Country First: A Biblical Priority
Christ never commanded us to make political disciples. He commanded us to make disciples of Him.
Matthew 28:19 (GNT)
“Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples.”
The early Church lived under Rome. A government far more hostile than most modern systems. Yet the apostles did not build movements around political reform. They preached Christ crucified and risen.
The Church changes the world through transformed hearts, not forced agreement.
Why Forcing Political Views Harms Unity in the Body
Scripture is very clear about how believers are supposed to handle areas where Scripture does not give a direct command.
Romans 14:1 (GNT)
“Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions.”
2 Timothy 2:24 (GNT)
“As the Lord’s servant you must not quarrel.”
When political identity becomes central, unity becomes fragile.
When Christ is central, unity becomes possible.
Our witness is not political alignment.
Our witness is Christlike love.
John 13:35 (GNT)
“If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
The Danger of Identity Fusion: When Patriotism Becomes Primary
Patriotism can be healthy.
But when patriotism becomes identity, it competes with lordship.
Scripture warns us about placing ultimate trust in human leadership.
Psalm 146:3 (GNT)
“Don’t put your trust in human leaders; no human being can save you.”
No government can:
Save souls
Forgive sin
Defeat death
Establish eternal justice
Only Christ can do that.
A Kingdom Warrior Thinks Eternally
For veterans especially, this perspective can resonate deeply.
Soldiers understand chain of command.
Soldiers understand mission priority.
Soldiers understand temporary deployment versus permanent citizenship.
Scripture tells us clearly where our permanent citizenship is.
Hebrews 13:14 (GNT)
“For there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come.”
We are deployed here.
We belong there.
Christ First Does Not Mean Country Doesn’t Matter
Christ first means:
Love your country
Serve honorably
Vote with conscience
Pray for leaders
But never confuse earthly stability with eternal security.
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (GNT) reminds us to pray for leaders, not worship outcomes.
The Real Victory the Christian Fights For
The Christian is not called to win political battles.
The Christian is called to stand firm in spiritual truth.
Ephesians 6:12 (GNT)
“For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world.”
This shifts everything.
Our primary battle is spiritual.
Our primary weapon is truth.
Our primary allegiance is Christ.
Final Reflection: The Loudest Voice in Our Lives
Nations will rise.
Nations will fall.
Administrations will change.
Policies will change.
But Christ does not change.
The goal is not to love your country less.
The goal is to love Christ more.
When Christ is first, everything else finds its proper place.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Help us to love You above everything else.
Help us to serve faithfully where You place us, but never lose sight of Your eternal Kingdom.
Guard our hearts from putting hope in systems instead of in You.
Make us bold in truth, gentle in spirit, and united in Christ.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
