I was told in my young adult class that being proud to be American is a form of idolatry because it is not God’s perfect kingdom and there is no proof that we are working with God’s plan for the world. Does that mean I can’t be thankful to live in America?

Defining our terms.

Proud.

Idolatry.

What doest though think it means to be Thankful

Pros for being thankful my country:

Being thankful where you live is a form of honoring authority
There are many amazingly beautiful things in my country, Grand Canyon, Desert, Mountains, Rivers, Creatures etc.
We can’t control where we are born so we should be thankful for what we do have
Despite your countries flaws, God has used it for his glory and goodness
Being thankful is showing God that you recognize his good gifts
Being miserable about your country is a different form of idolatry
For every negative thing we hear on the news our country (and hopefully other countries) are doing lots of righteous things that are not being reported.

CONS

Possible reasons why I might not want to be thankful for my country.

My country isn’t a Godly country.
Internationals are often told we are a christian nation, we don’t act like it
My country is greedy and selfish
Our country and its leaders (like every country at some point) have done sad things.
Old church song “This world is not my home,

This world is not my home I'm just a-passing through

My treasures are laid up Somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me From heaven's open door

And I can't feel at home In this world anymore

Oh Lord, you know I have no friend like you

If heaven's not my home Then Lord, what will I do?