I am, you are, we are Australian. If you're an Aussie, you were just moved to tears by those words. Or if not, you got some butterflies in your tummy and looked for a friend to wrap your arm around. Or if not, you at least pictured that Qantas ad with the kids singing (because we all get the 2 songs confused don't we?). We're a funny crew, us Aussies. We love our Vegemite and are proud of it, despite how crazy (awesome) it tastes. We get up early for Anzac Day parades and we cheer for the Socceroos and Wallabies. Yet at the same time, we hate our politicians and our history is taught in the most boring way possible! Now the question is, what do Aussie Christian parents do when it comes to being patriotic? My 3-year-old son has just discovered the Australian flag and points it out every time he sees one. What a great discipleship opportunity! Here are some chats we could have.
1) Citizens of heaven
While we live in Australia, it is not our true home. Our real, forever home is in heaven. We live on earth, but our citizenship is in heaven - Philippians 3:20. For anyone who trusts in Jesus, we are just visiting Australia. That means it has our allegiance, but not our ultimate allegiance. It means that we are Christian first, Australian second. Yes we barrack for Aussies at the Olympics, but we care more about the people we are watching it with than we do about winning the gold. Yes we fight if Australia goes to war, but we save as many souls on the way as possible. Yes we obey our country's laws, but if they would make us disobey our Great King Jesus, we bow to his command instead. It is good to be Australian, but only after we are Christians. We are Australian Christians, not Christian Australians.
2) Obey the PM
Something that Aussies are very poor at doing, is respecting authority. Especially when it comes in the form of the government. We hate being told what to do, especially by stinkin hypocrites (which all politicians are by nature right?)! But Christians are different, and we can teach our kids to be different. Check out these verses:
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
1 Peter 2:13-14
honour the emperor
1 Peter 2:17
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:1-2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
The Scriptures are very clear that we are to obey, pray for, and even honour our rulers. Teach your kids to respect and obey their teachers at preschool, school and Sunday school. Teach them to obey the laws of the land. Model righteousness in this space; on the road, at home etc. Teach your kids to honour the Prime Minister, whether he is a Christian, or if she claims to be an athiest. Pray for all the leaders of our country, big and small.
3) Reach Australians with the gospel
If you live in Australia, the people who are closest to you are Australians. Help your kids to love their fellow Aussies by praying for them, and telling them about Jesus. Give your kids a big vision for what God could do - saving millions and millions of Australians by the time they die. What a thing to pray for.
4) The gospel is here!
Not every country has heard the news of Jesus. Give God lots of thanks that he has brought the gospel to us, that it has made its way to our family! Praise him that there are a good number of wonderful churches in our country. We need more, but he has been so generous to us!
5) Jesus died for the nations
The Bible tells us that with his blood Jesus purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev 5:9). Praise God that he has saved people from our nation already. But now the question for our kids isn't, will you tell people about Jesus? But rather where will you tell people about Jesus? We need people to stay and we need people to go. Almost everyone chooses to stay. Which person will your kid be? Do you pray that any of them would jetset to an unreached people group for Jesus? Do you pray that they would reach Australia for Jesus? These are deep, scary and worthwhile things to pray and chat about!
Check out other posts in the 100 here.