During the 2008 Presidential campaign a mantra of Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain was "I put my country first." His intention was to convey the idea that this is the noblest thing a person can do. But is it?
From my childhood, growing up in rural Alabama, my parents taught me to put God first. That teaching was reinforced by community people. More than three score years later I continue to put God first.
Many conservative evangelical Christians claim to put God first, even though they did not criticize Senator McCain or withdraw their support from him.
On that Friday in November 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated I had just arrived in Boston, when I received the news that President Kennedy had been shot. Robert Welch, founder of the John Birch Society had invited me to speak at a "God, Family and Country" conference. Intrigued by the theme of the conference I accepted the invitation. Of course, I didn't deliver my speech because like many other events on that infamous day it was canceled.
These are my priorities. They are the four most sigificant attactions in my life.
God. I put God first. He is the Supreme Being, Creator and my Lord. I do not wear a cross to declare my adoration for God. Other people will know that I love Him when they experience my love. God is love.
Myself (Uriah J. Fields). I put myself second.This is self-love, not narcissism. Self-love is healthy and the basis of my love for others and God. I admire anyone who has self-love. That is the best indication that he/she loves me.
Family (the extended family). I put family third. Family consists of my parents, siblings, relatives and all the children and grand children of Grandpa Adam and Grandma Eve.
Country. I put country fourth. I am proud to be an American despite slavery, segregation, racial discrimination and disfranchisement Americans of African descent, of whom I am one, have experienced.
I put God first and my country fourth.Today I am ready to defend America, if necesary, just as I did during my four-year stint in the Army during the Korean War. I do not need to wear a cross to declare my love for God. Nor do I need to wear or hoist a flag to declare that I am a patriotic American.
Copyright 2008 by Uriah J. Fields
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