Celebrating the Fourth in Light of Heavenly Citizenship

As Christians in America, we find ourselves in a unique position as we approach the Fourth of July. We are called to be patriotic citizens, grateful for the freedoms and blessings this country offers, while also holding firm to the truth that our ultimate citizenship lies in heaven. This dual identity can sometimes feel conflicting, but it is a tension that the Bible speaks to directly.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is asked whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. His response is both wise and profound: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." This teaches us that we have obligations to both our earthly nation and our heavenly King. We are to respect and obey the laws of the land, participate in civic duties, and contribute to the well-being of our society.

However, we must never forget that our primary allegiance is to God. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:20, "But our citizenship is in heaven." This means that our values, our priorities, and our ultimate hope are not rooted in this world but in the eternal kingdom of God.

This Fourth of July, let's celebrate our nation with gratitude, acknowledging the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made for them. Let's also use this occasion to reflect on our heavenly citizenship, remembering that our true home is not here but in the presence of God.

The Bible tells us that the nation of Israel was called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). This meant that they were to live differently from the surrounding nations, reflecting God's values and laws. Similarly, as Christians in America, we are called to be a light in the darkness, living out our faith in a way that honors God and blesses our neighbors.

This doesn't mean we withdraw from society or become isolationists. On the contrary, we are called to be active participants in our communities, seeking the welfare of our cities and nation. But we do so with the understanding that our ultimate hope is not in any earthly government but in the kingdom of God.

So as we celebrate this Fourth of July, let's do so with a sense of gratitude for our earthly home while keeping our eyes fixed on our eternal one. Let's be good citizens of both America and heaven, living out our faith in a way that brings glory to God and makes a positive impact on the world around us.

Remember, our citizenship in heaven doesn't diminish our love for America; it enhances it. It gives us a broader perspective, a deeper purpose, and a greater hope. It reminds us that while we are in this world, we are not of it. We are citizens of a kingdom that is not of this world, a kingdom that is eternal, just, and good. And that is something truly worth celebrating.

With You;
Pastor Tim