As we celebrate the 4th of July, it’s good and right to pause and remember some of the remarkable roots of this nation:
A group of ordinary men and women risked everything for the hope of freedom.
Many of them carried a deep faith in God and a belief that their Creator endowed all people with certain unalienable rights.
In our founding documents you’ll find references to Providence, to the Creator, and to dependence upon God.
In the earliest days, many leaders saw their work as a stewardship under God's authority — even while imperfectly living that out.
And yet, as we give thanks for these blessings, we also recognize that these are complicated times:
We live in a divided world.
The news cycle is exhausting.
The political climate feels like a never-ending tug-of-war.
Social media has weaponized almost every issue.
Even Christians sometimes confuse our faith with our politics.
And as followers of Jesus, many of us feel caught in the tension: How do I love my country — but not lose my first allegiance?
"Before I am an American... I am His."
“Our citizenship is in heaven.” — Philippians 3:20 NIV
1 | REMEMBER WHERE YOU’RE FROM
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who... will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. — Philippians 3:20-21 NIV
"You may have an earthly address, but your spiritual passport says 'Kingdom of God.'"
Application:
We don’t get swept up in the hysteria of the moment. When the news cycle stirs up fear, we ground ourselves in God’s unchanging truth.
We’re not ruled by fear, but by faith. Instead of worrying about the economy or elections, we rest in the sovereignty of God who has seen every empire rise and fall.
We live with hope when others panic. We can be non-anxious presences — encouraging our coworkers, calming our families, and speaking peace into chaos.
At work, we work with integrity, but we don't worship our careers.
In parenting, we point our kids to eternal values instead of just worldly success.
In finances, we live generously, not fearfully.
In politics, we engage with wisdom, but refuse to demonize others.
In relationships, we forgive, love, and serve — because that’s how citizens of Heaven operate.
"Kingdom citizens live differently — not because life is easy, but because their hope is anchored elsewhere."
2 | EMBRACE WHO YOU REPRESENT
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. — 2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV
"When the world sees us, they should get a glimpse of the Kingdom we represent."
Application:
In cultural division → we carry peace: we listen, de-escalate, and value relationships over winning arguments.
In outrage → we carry grace: calm words, generous assumptions, forgiveness even when undeserved.
In confusion → we carry truth: we stay grounded in Scripture.
In darkness → we shine light: encouraging coworkers, reaching neighbors, volunteering where needed.
In your workplace, be known for integrity and encouragement.
In your neighborhood, build bridges, not fences.
In parenting, model humility and respect.
On social media, post what is helpful, hopeful, and healing.
In your personal life, start each day: I am first a citizen of Heaven, called to represent my King today.
3 | LIVE WITH KINGDOM RESPONSIBILITY
Stay true to the Lord... For you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. — Philippians 4:1 NLT
We are called to:
Stand firm in our faith — even when culture opposes biblical truth.
Serve others with love — meeting real needs.
Speak truth with grace — truth delivered with compassion.
Seek the welfare of our city — contributing to schools, businesses, and government (Jeremiah 29:7).
Pray for our leaders — trusting God’s authority.
Model humility — choosing selflessness over pride.
"You don’t get to pick your cultural moment. But you do get to pick your posture."
Application:
We care about what happens here — but refuse to act like this is all there is.
We seek the good of our country — we vote, serve, and engage — but don't idolize political systems.
We honor our leaders — praying for wisdom — but worship only God.
We serve the hurting — noticing and meeting real needs.
We build relationships across divides — unity in Christ is stronger than our differences.
We remain rooted in Scripture — when culture shifts.
We prioritize eternal impact over temporary wins — investing in what matters forever.
"Responsibility isn't about control — it's about faithful stewardship."
IN CONCLUSION
Let’s bring it full circle with a story:
The Eagle and The Wolf
There’s a battle inside every one of us. The soaring eagle represents everything good, true, and beautiful. The howling wolf feeds on anger, pride, and fear.
Who wins?The one you feed.
This is true for nations, too.
As a country, we’ve had moments feeding faith, humility, and justice.
We’ve also fed pride, division, and fear.
This 4th of July, you get to choose:
Will you feed fear or faith?
Will you fuel outrage or grace?
Will you follow culture or Christ?
“A nation is strengthened when its citizens are surrendered to the King.”
