The Night of Bliss; and a Compelling Case for Patriotism
On the 22 of November, the Man of God and President of Lovewold Incorporated, the highly esteemed Rev Dr Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD held the Night of Bliss in 15 cities in Nigeria, where hundreds of thousands were present in various stadia to pray for Nigeria, receive divine healing and miraculous changes in varied circumstances and situations. It was a power display in the physical of what we know to be an emphatic spiritual truth: which is that this is the day of grace and salvation, where the Church is empowered to complete the full preaching of the Gospel. Now, as God is always concerned with the affairs of nations, we were also exposed to a crucial understanding of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, which highlighted the importance of praying for one’s nation and patriotism. And so, in reflection of the Night of Bliss, we ought to address this particular revelation further, in light of the spiritual and comparative advantage of patriotism.
THE SPIRITUAL IMPORTANCE & COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE OF PATRIOTIC LEADERS
Patriotism, which we typically understand to be the deep-rooted love, loyalty, and devotion towards one’s country… Well, this virtue plays a pivotal role in shaping societies and nurturing a strong nation. It is more than a mere sentiment; it is an essential ingredient that binds individuals together and propels collective progress. As such, understanding the importance of patriotism is incredibly crucial for the well-being and prosperity of any country.
BROLL PIC – NIGERIA
Now, for the purpose of our discussion, we ought to look at the spiritual importance and comparative advantage of patriotism from both the standpoint of leaders and that of citizens. While the two are equally important, they certainly are worth addressing individually because they have somewhat different manifestations and consequences. Let’s begin with leaders.
BROLL PIC – NIGERIA
When you work in a public office (meaning when you are a government official or a leader of a nation), the job is not at all standard: as a leader, often times you represent the soul of the nation (whether positive or otherwise); in addition, it is required of you to transcend human limitations: for instance, in times of difficulty, people expect you to always know about all the affairs of the nation and be level headed and offer calm and well-informed directives. Not to mention, there are significant (and at times) unplanned developments that require you to be ever ready to respond exceptionally, even if there isn’t a play book or precedent that teaches you how to respond to that unplanned development.
BROLL PIC – SOUTH AFRICA
THEREORE, the most fundamental thing to have in public office is the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God, and perhaps only second to that is a sincere love for your country and the people you serve – in other words, patriotism! In fact, I’ve said before here on The War Room, that one of the most remarkable Scriptures that give a perspective on such patriotic leadership is King Solomon, in what he demonstrated in 2 Chronicles 1:10, when he said to God, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?”. King Solomon knew how paramount godly wisdom is for leadership, and regarded God’s people as great and thus deserving of wise leadership.
BROLL PIC – USA
King Solomon went on to display this combination of divine wisdom and patriotic leadership in love for his people. In particular, not only was King Solon known for his great wisdom and great riches, but he also had such love for God’s people that he deemed great that even his servants were remarkably dressed and dignified in their state of living and being! It would then be incumbent upon us to deduce that when leadership is imbibes the wisdom of God and the virtue of patriotism, not only will they excel in and be renowned for their role of leadership, but the people they lead will be direct beneficiaries, because their wellbeing will always be regarded as paramount by wise and patriotic leaders.
In fact, the Scriptures underscore this further, when we look at Proverbs 29:2, which states that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn”. There is a direct relationship between righteous, wise and patriotic leadership and the wellbeing of people. As such, it would seem that there is, emphatically, a spiritual importance and comparative advantage of patriotism in leaders.
VIDEO WITH AUDIO – King Solomon
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A crucial point to make in consideration of why patriotism in leaders is essential (in addition to having the wisdom of God, of course) is what happens when leaders are NOT patriotic. Make no mistake: the hatred of one’s country or people will manifest in what people advocate for. At the beginning, it may seem as though their frustrations and disdain for their nation is in response to issues in the status quo, BUT that frustration and disdain will seldom birth policies that change the status quo, but rather policies that destroy the nation altogether.
Take the left in the US as an example, especially in light of immigration crisis. Now, first, when we think of war on the national sovereignty of a nation – that is its authority to govern itself, we tend to typically discuss this in light of an external threat; like an invasion or colonisation. Seldom do we see a government not only be culpable in the undermining of its national sovereignty but also be a chief architect in the problem. Despite the problems we’ve seen in different governments and administration, such as improperly allocated funding, incongruous responses to conflict, or even corruption, despite all of this, every citizen should at the very least be able to say that its government is not adamant on placing its citizens as a second concern to the citizens of other nations, and even destroying its nation. And yet, under the Biden-Harris administration, Americans were denied this basic privilege or hope due to the utterly un-patriotic worsening of the border crisis by the Biden-Harris administration.
Now, typically, Republicans place the blame on former VP Kamala Harris for the number of people who crossed the border under the Biden-Harris administration. Usually, in response, the Biden-Harris administration would raise the issue of a bipartisan border bill, endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council, which is said to have been torpedoed by Trump in 2024.
But, all this was a cover for the invasion that the Biden-Harris administration allowed on their country, which they have a duty to care. And I say this because, first, if Trump was in fact the single greatest impediment to the passing of the border bill spoken about, it’s is still a reflection of incompetence on the part of Kamala Harris (the border tzar) that she only had one arrow in her border crisis solution quiver; and even failed to re-strategise once it was hindered. And I can say this without reservation when we contrast her resolve to simply blame Trump for hindering her plans, when Texas Governor Greg Abott has devised strategies to secure the border in Texas even after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the federal government to allow border security to remove impediments and barbed wire that hindered the crossing of immigrants. Greg Abott achieved this despite hindrance and opposition – and that shows more competence. But, additionally, during the campaign period prior to the November 2024 presidential election, vice president JD Vance responded to the question on on Democrats saying Trump was an impediment to the border bill.
VIDEO WITH AUDIO – JD Vance Fires Back At Democrats Who Claim They ‘Tried To Pass A Border Security Bill’
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Secondly, and still responding to the left’s dodging of accountability by trying to blame Trump for the border crisis: [PAUSE] if this really was the ultimate border bill that would have solved border and immigration crises; then why haven’t the other measures that were in response to immigration, that were implemented by the Biden-Harris administration, remedied the problem as well? Surely, if they were directly addressing the flow of drugs, the surge in human trafficking, and gang-related crime, then these other efforts should have at least addressed issues emanating from the border crisis – and yet, there was very little to show that they were doing work to remedy the issues related to the border crisis.
Then thirdly, despite all the pretentious talk about doing something to solve the border crises or being hamstrung by Trump, it was ACTUALLY the Biden-Harris administration’s “open border” policies that created the unprecedented border crisis! You’d recall that on day one of becoming president, Biden announced an order to terminate former President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency concerning our southern border. Biden’s EO also paused the construction of the border wall and redirected the funds elsewhere. On day two, Biden suspended Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” program and ended the program formally six months later. The “Remain in Mexico” program kept in Mexico asylum-seekers from Central America and elsewhere until their immigration court hearings in the U.S. The program successfully returned an estimated 68,000 migrants to Mexico during the Trump presidency.
Furthermore, the Biden-Harris administration also relinquished its responsibility to enforce immigration law. According to a 2023 House Judiciary Committee report, “the Biden Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has failed to remove more than 99 percent of illegal immigrants through immigration court proceedings” between Jan. 20, 2021, and March 31, 2023. During this period, there were more than 5 million illegal immigrant encounters. The Biden administration reportedly “eased its scrutiny in reviewing asylum claims,” and “immigration judges have granted nearly 80% of claims in the last three years.” Then, in 2022, the Biden administration also introduced a parole program that has had significant consequences. This program allows up to 30,000 asylum-seekers from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the US each month. The program allowed the Biden-Harris administration to release nearly half a million “inadmissible immigrants” into the interior of the US, often with “little or no vetting, – all of which was discovered through a House Committee on Homeland Security’s fact sheet.
VIDEO WITH AUDIO – ‘Just a show’: Joe Biden’s border executive order ‘full of holes’
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Based on all of this, the only impediment the Biden-Harris administration thus had to good border security and immigration policy is itself! Therefore, the Biden-Harris administration is culpable for the unstructured flow of illegal immigrants; it is culpable for the human trafficking and smuggling operations taking place in the US, it is even culpable for the immigrant children that it lost – because these children are being used like commodities for profit by individuals who are capitalising of the poor law enforcement by this administration. And the recent testimony from ex-border chief Aaron Heitke makes this very clear.
All of this is to highlight that anti-patriotic sentiments from government officials or citizens running for office, find their way into public policy. As such, a government that wanted to replace the white demographic in America was never going to have a constructive approach to immigration. Similarly, Democrat lawmakers who do not care about the integrity of American institutions were going to deny voters a primary, and insist that presenting an ID before one can vote is racist. ALSO, of course Kamala Harris said proclaiming Christ is King only belongs in a Trump rally, because she was part of an administration that had designated Catholics as domestic terrorists. All of this stems from a hatred of the country. And the essence of this part of our discussion is to highlight that hatred or disdain for one’s country or fellow countrymen was never going to result in good policies. And that is why patriotic leadership is a comparative advantage for citizens.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PATRIOTISM & CIVIC DUTY FROM CITIZENS
Speaking of citizens, this actually brings to a consideration of the importance of patriotism from us. Right at the top, it is crucial to note that patriotism fosters unity and social cohesion. In a world that is partially characterised by polarisation, patriotism serves as a unifying force that transcends differences of very dangerously essentialised matters like race, ethnicity, or political support. Instead of using these polarising issues to frame national identity, patriotism creates a shared sense of identity and purpose among citizens, which in turn promotes social harmony and solidarity. And when people are united by a common love for their country, they can then work together towards common goals, paving the way for a stronger and more cohesive society – despite differences.
Secondly, patriotism nurtures national pride and identity. It essentially instills a sense of appreciation and reverence for a country’s history, culture, and achievements. By valuing and preserving cultural heritage, patriotism helps maintain a unique national identity. Citizens even become ambassadors of their nation’s values and traditions, promoting them both domestically and internationally. Now, this strong sense of national pride further inspires individuals to strive for excellence, making significant contributions to various fields, from arts and sciences to sports and innovation. Now, here is where we ought to once again make reference to the incredible Night of Bliss.
The Man of God Pastor Chris emphasises a crucial point: that while we hail from Zion as Christians, we are constantly associated with our respective nations wherever we are and thus answer the name of our nation when we are outside of our country. And so, we ought to love our countries, and represent them well, and be grateful for the opportunities afforded us by our respective nations. In a perfect display of the embodiment of patriotism, he shares the testimony of how his nation Nigeria afforded him the opportunity to hear and receive the Gospel. And while he says this about Nigeria, the patriotic virtue he displays is one we ought to appropriate for ourselves and inserves of the nations where we have been made Ambassadors for Christ.
Furthermore, as far as citizens are concerned, patriotism also encourages civic engagement and responsibility. When individuals are deeply attached to their country, they actively participate in the democratic processes, exercise their right to vote, and engage in community service. They understand that their actions have a direct impact on the development of their nation. There’s a famous maxim that captures this: which states that “My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right.” This maxim underscores the fact that patriotism motivates citizens to fulfill their duties as responsible members of society, actively contributing to the betterment of their country and fellow citizens.
I believe this is why an appreciation for patriotic symbols, like a nation’s flag or the national anthem, are central to discussions about national pride. They centre our focus on a sense of community and collective responsibility – which I believe was highlighted during the Night of Bliss as the Man of God Pastor Chris led all participants in the National Anthem of Nigeria, proclaiming thereafter that the prayer request has indeed been answered.
I’ll be among the first to admit that I’ve listened repeatedly to this particular excerpt. And likely for the same reason I carry in my devices a video of South Africans singing the National Anthem last year at a rugby match. Like that of Nigeria, South Africa’s anthem contains a prayer: and it is a prayer for prosperity and peace of the African continent and the nation of South Africa itself. And to see people put aside all manner of divisive consideration and sing with so much pride and joy the words of the anthem, constantly reminds you that what you are labouring fervently for in prayer is worth it. In those moments where we sing the anthem together, you see what is possible to achieve with regards to social cohesion, mutual respect and equal moral concern, and an overall display of shared commitment to serving the nation and the continent at large. It truly is a moment to relive over and over again.
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4: THE INTERSECTION OF PATRIOTISM FROM LEADERS & FROM CITIZENS
But also key to note is that there is an intersection of patriotism from leaders and patriotism from citizens. We see this intersection in the duty outlined to us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, which reads “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” In this Scripture is how we galavanise godly and patriotic leadership, and inspire the same in our fellow countrymen. When we pray in this manner, 1 Timothy 2:2 says we lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Therefore, there is a spiritual significance and patriotic duty in prayer for the leaders of your nation and all peeople in the nation.
THERE IS VIRTUE IN FIGHTING FOR YOUR COUNTRY
Then, finally, I’d like to conclude this discussion by making reference to an interesting development in light of patriotic duty. Last year, Russian president Vladimir Putin signed a decree offering sanctuary for foreigners wishing to escape Western liberal ideals. Putin is essentially offering people a chance to escape the neoliberal globalist West, and seek safe haven in Russia with their traditional, anti-woke agenda.
Five years ago (perhaps even 2 years ago) this headline would have sounded disturbing to people fed a steady diet of a big bad communist and election-interfering Russia, but with the degradation of Western nations like the US, UK, France, it’s not so easy to dismiss Russia and this gesture from Putin. Western nations are engaged in an agenda to replace certain demographics, as we’ve discussed with the great replacement agenda, and so western populations and cultures are being replaced, while radical neoliberal policies are destroying these nations.
HOWEVER, while Putin’s gesture and decree carries weight on its own as has a discernable context that might be used to argue for its validity, I believe it is important not to take president Putin up on that offer: not because it is bad (frankly it reflects quite honourably on president Putin), but I say his offer must not be taken up because it would result in the loss of a patriotic population that has an unwavering desire to stay and fight for a better government and sensible laws. Again, it is understandable why people would want to leave: people do not want to risk being impacted by bad policies; which is why many parents are leaving California for conservative states like Florida and Texas in order to protect their children from LGBT woke education policies. BUT, that also means that California does not have many people with a vested and patriotic interest in challenging the erosion introduced by the likes of Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom.
Therefore, Putin’s decree (while a refreshing offer for people who genuinely are sick of woke liberal governments) makes the loss of patriotic citizens a global issue and not just an inter-state issue. And I would argue that this should be a wake up call for many nations. Not a wake up call to attack Russia for taking citizens – seeing as no one is being coerced to come to Russia. Rather, it is a wake up call to the fact that a nations’ population is its greatest asset: these are people who will fight in the military, people who will serve as public officials, people who will take difficult jobs that do not pay well while excelling in them, people who will fly the nation’s flag at international competitions. There is, THEREFORE, a fundamental issue with the nation if this very population would rather export their patriotic sentiments and service to a foreign nation as opposed to theirs.
However, even for citizens, let us learn that there is virtue in staying in your nation and fighting for it to be better. Frankly, if you fail to love your own nation, you cannot love another.
Written By Lindokuhle Mabaso
