Re-definition of our sense of patriotism and spirituality
S.Haokip
Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance."
Don’t we wish that the Lord was the God of the KUKIS? Today, let us ask ourselves why in spite of being a nation whose God is the Lord, we as a nation are not blessed? We all could name several reasons. I give below some of my concerns which I believe concern us all:
1. Misplaced Nationalism
v Our sense of Nationalism is now bordering the tag of Terrorism.
First let us study the meaning/connotation of the term Nationalism and terrorism: Nationalism generally involves the identification of an ethnic identity with a state. It is also used to describe a movement to establish or protect a homeland (usually an autonomous state) for an ethnic group; love of country and willingness to sacrifice for the aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination based on the doctrine that the doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals whereas terrorism is the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear.
Let us introspect and ask ourselves whether our sense of patriotism is based on the sense of our nationalistic aspirations or acts of terrorism? I am afraid, our nationalism hinges on the borderline of Terrorism. Now can we then expect our nation to be blessed?
v Nationalism cannot be a burden but a lively sense of collective responsibility.
Nationalism is nothing but the act of placing, by the individual, of national interests over and above those of the individual, regional, or global. It can exist under all political, social and economic conditions, and across societal structures such as class/clans. Clannish pride and prejudices camouflaging under patriotism is no nationalism. Burdening of the people through financial obligations and physical exertions through coercion in the name of “NAMPI” can never be termed as patriotic. At best they are an act of extortions. Again, No individual or group can claim to be the sole custodian of spirit of Nationalism. Do not regard the critics as questionable patriots. What were Washington and Jefferson and Adams but profound critics of the colonial status quo? He loves his country best who strives to make it best. ~Robert G. Ingersoll. Patriotism is a lively sense of collective responsibility. With this false sense of nationalism, can we really and honestly expect God to manifest in us and bring us prosperity and blessings?
2. Misplace Spirituality
Patriotism to our country is GOOD, but faithfulness and obedience to our Savior is foundational for any country to succeed and prosper. Here, let me quote Patrick Henry on the foundation of United States: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ." As for our revered leaders, I humbly believe that it’s a very high time that they led themselves be guided by God and not through his/her own wisdom and knowledge centered on self indulgences and petty short term gains. Let me take this opportunity to quote the great founding leaders of USA on how much they rely on God in discharging their duties.
May I quote Abraham Lincoln on his clear testimony to an understanding of God's lordship in the affairs of this nation "It pleases the Almighty Ruler of the universe to defend the cause of these United American States and finally to rise up a powerful Prince to establish liberty and independence upon the lasting foundation."
And George Washington on his clear testimony to his understanding of his own role in the affairs of this nation George Washington could pray, "Let my heart, gracious God, be so affected with the glory and majesty of Thine honor, that I may not do my own works, but wait on Thee, and discharge those weighty duties which Thou does require of me. I acknowledge and confess my faults in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day, direct my thoughts, my words and my work.”
Unfortunately, we worship God as a colloquial to our other activities. I cannot possibly see any reason why we often compartmentalized our spiritual life and social life into two separate shells? I don’t understand the logic why a religious leader/preacher should not be associated with all things political and political leaders in religious realm. Jesus came for the purpose of reconciliation, to reconcile man with man, man with God and man with the world around him. Extrapolate this to our current scenarios. As a Christian shouldn’t we be responsible for creating an atmosphere of greater harmony between our different clans, groups, religions denomination, etc. rather than being a perpetrator of hatreds and violence?
Romans 1:21&25 says it all and very clearly: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened”. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen.
The above mentioned points which I have just highlighted are nothing but symptoms of much greater malaise inflicting our society at large: Such as -
A. Moral Decay: Nationalism starts at Home.
The norms and values, rules and regulations practiced within the family, the smallest organized unit in the community, will reflect upon the nation. Respect and tolerance towards the members of the family will greatly determine our attitudes outside the home. Nation building starts at home! The Bible teaches us the basic principles for a good life. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul; and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love develops character; love teaches patience, and kindness, it is not jealous, conceited or proud; it is not ill-mannered, selfish or irritable. Love does not keep a record of wrongs; it is not happy with evil but happy with the truth. Love never gives up, and its faith, hope and patience never fail. Many of our homes today are not the ideal home where this principle and basic tenets of Christianity are imparted. Family fellowships are slowly dying out and sending children to Sunday schools are no longer a priority for parents. The result is there for all of us to see. Human life is now dispensable and hatred for things which are evil is no longer considered a virtue. Today are adage goes like this;
No Sunday, no worship.
No worship, no relationship.
No relationship, no morals.
No morals, so what?
B. WRONG SENSE OF NATIONALISM
Unfortunately, our sense of nationalism is all about taking up arms for our so called revolutionary movement/arm struggle for statehood. Here I somehow felt our priority is just not in order. Nationalism or patriotism is not just about a separate statehood or distinct geographical identity for our people. To me nationalism or patriotism is the deep sense of belonging to a group linked by common descent, language, history, and a strong devotion to the interests or its culture, its advancement, peace, stability, security through a devoted love, support, and defense of our people. It is a desire for national advancement. What patriotism we are talking about when more than 80% of our people are struggling to make both ends meet; where we fought and killed each other for petty reasons; where clannish prejudices over rode about everything else; where money are extorted from our debt ridden/poverty stricken tribesmen in the name of our nation and splurge it on buying arms for killing our own people and even in some cases for entertaining individual needs! I see no patriotism where there is no respect for elders, church, women and the overall interest of the society at large! Patriotism/nationalism cannot carry with it the baggage of history. It learnt from it and strategizes for the future. It should not be chauvinistic and hostile to the interests of any other nation. It is not symbolic nor one off incident. It is a gradual process with positivity and hope. It is for this basic reason I personally opposed the commemoration of “BLACK SEPTEMBER” with hoisting of black banners and so on. I mean no disrespect and belittling of our brethren who were waylaid and brutally murdered in cold blood on that fateful day. The JALLIANWALLA massacre pricks the sentiment and conscience of the mass and triggers the independence movement. The nation of Israel today might not have been possible but for the WWII holocaust... The massacre on the 11th September was the JALLIANWALLA of THE KUKI HISTORY!! The enormity of our sufferings was no less than the holocaust. The only pertinent question is: what do we learnt from this? Should we be content just remembering them by hoisting black banners every 11th September? Is this what they are all worth?
Dear friends it is really high time that we set our priorities right and also redefine our sense of nationalism/patriotism. There are so many issues that urgently required to be addressed. We shall have to start from the scratch. Let us pledge ourselves afresh to God and to our future generation. Let our children learnt to fear and experience the love of God. Let us inculcate in them a sense of patriotism based on high moral character, love, patience and kindness. Let us all focus our sense of nationalism/patriotism based on positivity and addressed issues boldly without fear and clannish prejudices. Let our nationalism be defined as devotion to the interests of one’s own country and a desire for national advancement. One that that brings joy and happiness to our people. To quote M.K Gandhi, “I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?
Conclusion:
Let us draw closer and nearer to our creator. Our nation needs Jesus more than any other nation. There is NO better place to start when thinking of patriotism and love of country than the local church and the body of Christ! We are the people called by HIS name… and it is our calling to be God’s people in our nation! Another verse of Scripture that was directed toward the Israelites but also applies to any nation who puts it into practice is when God told Solomon what it would take for Israel to turn around…
2 Chronicles 7:14 - "lf my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land."
Friends today let us redefine our sense of nationalism/patriotism as one guided by the words of our gracious Lord and one that brings joy and happiness to our people.
THANK YOU
