By Ashton Harat — July 4, 2023
Well friends, if you live in the United States, we all know that today is a very special day. Today is the day that our great nation came into existence, some 247 years ago. On that stormy day in 1776, delegates from all over the colonies came together and declared their intention to stand up and fight for liberty—“for ourselves and our posterity.” They knew full well that they were placing their very lives in danger, writing, “we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor,” and one even joked that Britain could now “double the reward for my head.” Over the years to follow, brave soldiers fought fearlessly for freedom, and over a sometimes miraculous series of events, triumphed in a war with the greatest military empire on earth at the time.
On this day, July 4th, we celebrate that we live in a nation founded on peace, justice, morality, freedom, rights, and equality. And in an age where the world celebrates and extols the exact opposite of all these things, we need more than ever to stand strong in the fight for our nation.
But what about us as Christians? What should our perspective be as citizens? Well, in the book of Romans, in chapter 13, Paul writes,
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (Romans 13:1-2)
This is pretty clear. The government is to be obeyed. We are to be subject to its authority because God Himself has granted it any authority it has on earth. To resist the government is to resist “the ordinance of God” and that carries severe consequences. But, we also see in the book of Acts a passage which gives us a little bit more information on this subject.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
This might seem confusing at first, but we have to understand the context. In this passage, the apostles were told by the leaders in Jerusalem to stop preaching of Jesus. But Christ had clearly told them to “go and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). So what were they to do? This is a clear and important principle. We obey the government, but when their requirements are contrary to the principles of God’s Word, we must stand up and obey the Lord, no matter the cost.
The Bible tells us that we are to be “an example of the believers” in word and conduct (I Timothy 4:12), and the political realm is no exception. When we think of the early believers being persecuted by the godless tyranny of the day, we should rejoice that God has given us a nation where we are guaranteed the freedom to worship as we choose, and a government which is directly accountable to us as citizens.
This lays upon our shoulders a great responsibility. Millions of people—from the first century Christians to many still suffering today—were persecuted and martyred for speaking the truth unashamedly, and countless more have willingly risked or laid down their lives in freedom’s cause. We have been given a nation which guarantees under the law the basic human rights given by God, and we must never let those freedoms vanish—those freedoms that countless heroes died to protect.
Now, we know the Bible says that Satan is the prince of this world (John 12:31) and that “the world” system is under his control. Remember how he offered Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” if he would simply bow down and worship? (Matthew 4:8-9) Ever wonder about this? Well, think of it this way. God owns everything,but He’s loaned out lots of His things to others. Everything we ‘own,’ for example, actually belongs to God. One of these things God has ‘loaned’ is the world we live in. God, in His sovereign, perfect will, allowed the Devil to seize control of this earth—but one day will vanquish Satan fully, “making a show of [him] openly” (Colossians 2:15) and taking back the earthly throne which is rightfully His.
Knowing this, we have to conclude that—in essence—no nation can actually be called a ‘Christian nation’ since “all the kingdoms of the world” belong to Satan. However, we can—and should—recognize the Christian foundation of our nation from a historical and philosophical perspective. Now, I want to break down some practical applications for our daily lives as citizens. I believe that God’s Word is clear that we must strive in all our political affairs and public dealings to do three specific things.
1. Uphold the Historical Foundation of Our Country
This is just being a good citizen. The Constitution of the United States outlines the basic freedoms and rights which govern every aspect of life and policy in America. It is the highest canon of law which we have in this country and we should stand up and boldly say that it be followed, and that the original intent of the founders of this nation be honored in our public policy today (I Timothy 1:8). We should also support logical, common-sense policies, making sure to remain well-informed and basing opinions and actions on hard facts and good research. As Paul said, “Let all things be down decently and in order” (I Corinthians 15:40).
2. Promote Biblical Principles in All Matters of Public Policy and Leadership
This is being a good Christian citizen. There’s nothing wrong with identifying as ‘a conservative,’ or ‘Republican,’ but if that’s all we’re standing for, we have problems. Our greatest passion in public policy should be to advance the cause of Christ (Matthew 6:33). This means we should be fighting for religious liberty and calling out sinful and unethical behavior when we see it (Galatians 5:1, Isaiah 1:17). We should be championing societal norms which are consistent with God’s Word (Proverbs 14:34). We should be defending those who are helpless, and serving those who are in need (Psalm 82:3). And we should support and elect leaders who will do the same (I Peter 2:14).
3. Show the Grace and Love of Christ to the Thirsty, Dying World Around Us
This is being a good Christian. A good citizen of heaven. We must show Christ—His grace, mercy, Love, holiness, Justice, patience and compassion. The world around us is searching to be filled, trying to quench the thirst that burns in their soul—longing for something more (John 4:13-15). People are broken and sinful, yes, but more importantly, they are thirsty and despairing. What they need is Jesus. So reach out and show them His Love. This is the greatest and most important calling any person can have—to “go into all the world, and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15).
Here’s something to really praise God for this Independence Day. My pastor pointed out recently how much we are grateful to veterans who have fought to keep our nation free. We owe them a great debt. Then he said, “But how much more grateful should we be to Jesus? He died to save us from eternity in hell.” Ponder how great a Love has been lavished upon us (1 John 3:1).
One final thing. We who are citizens of the USA have rights and privileges (and also responsibilities) pursuant to our citizenship. But remember! We are not only citizens of the United States. We are citizens of heaven first. And with that comes the responsibility to be a witness for Christ—but also the right to come boldly before the throne in the Name of Jesus, and the privilege of one day being totally freed from sin and death to spend all eternity with God. So if the condition of the world right now has you depressed, let your double citizenship and your clear title in heaven encourage you and lift your spirits as you continue to press on for the Lord.