How National Pride Can Hurt and What God Taught Me
When National Pride Becomes Harmful
Like many Canadians, I grew up proud to be from the true North, strong and free. But in years past, my national pride became a stumbling block, and it hurt many of my American friends and colleagues. Looking back, I can see where my struggles began—and how much of it was rooted in my own insecurities.
I grew up in Sarnia, Ontario, right across from Port Huron, Michigan. If you’ve ever lived in a border town, you know the unique relationship that develops with people on the other side.
How National Pride Can Hurt Relationships
As a teenager, every weekend felt like an invasion. The 90s were tough on the Canadian dollar, and while Canadians flooded into the U.S. for deals in the 80s, by the 90s, the roles had reversed. I didn’t like it.
Every Friday night, Americans would drive over the Blue Water Bridge (back when there was just one) for shopping or a night out. You could spot them easily. Late nights were the worst.
After hitting the bars and taking advantage of Canada’s lower drinking age, many tipsy Americans would flood into fast-food joints before heading home. It used to make my blood boil. They’d hit on the girls behind the counter, mock their accents when they were rejected, and sprawl across tables meant for six to eight people so there was no room to sit down.
If my friends and I tried to call them out, it never went well. So we’d sit in a corner, stewing. I vowed to stay clear of Americans for the rest of my life.
That vow was ridiculous—and I was ignorant.
God Hears Our Vows and Challenges Them
God always seems to hear our vows loud and clear, even when we don’t say them out loud. We tell ourselves we’ll never do something or go somewhere, and He listens. And His response always seems to be the same:
“Oh really? Let’s see about that.”
By the time I got to college, I tried to keep my opinions to myself. I even agreed to room with an American from Buffalo, New York. I pulled off the act; at least when Americans were around. But as all sinful things do, my pride progressed. I’d save my opinions for when Americans weren’t around, and then I was downright hurtful.
Then God stepped in. And He knew exactly what would break down my arrogant heart.
Falling for an American Changed Everything
I fell in love with an American.
At first, I ignored her. But one night in the library, we were the only two left. To pass the time, I struck up a conversation.
Five minutes turned into hours. She was quiet, kind, and nothing like the stereotypes I had believed as a Canadian. She was amazing. And I was smitten.
Meeting Nicole was the first step in breaking down my pride. A sinful pride that had been so carefully disguised as national pride. God had a plan for my life, and He knew exactly what was needed to get me aligned with it.
By the way, I had also vowed to never marry an American girl. Considering that Nicole and I have now been married for over two decades with three incredible boys—who are fully Canadian and fully American—I’m pretty sure God heard that vow too!
How National Pride Can Hurt Faith and Unity
To my American friends and family, I am truly sorry for the hurtful comments I ever made. I was a foolish young man who let a few negative experiences shape an unrealistic view of an entire nation.
After years of God working on my heart—including four years of pastoral work in the U.S.—I’m beyond grateful that you’re our neighbours (an neighbors).
National pride isn’t necessarily a bad thing if it’s kept in check. However, when it turns into arrogance, resentment and passive aggression, it can drive a wedge between people who should be friends.
As followers of Christ, we’re called to humility and unity, not division. We should…
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3 ESV)
And always remember that…
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6 ESV)
Dive Deeper Into Scripture:
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Have you ever seen national pride become harmful?
- What experiences have shaped your views of other cultures or countries?
- How has God challenged you to break down pride in your life?
