Tomorrow is the day America celebrates its founding. One of my Facebook friends announced that as a follower of Jesus, and therefore a citizen of no earthly realm, he steers clear of national celebrations. He has a point, especially in a time when, for many, the word “Christian” has become so entangled with nationalism.
On the one hand, I too am a Jesus follower (who seldom calls himself a “Christian” because of the baggage the word has acquired). As Christ’s ambassador I owe my allegiance to him alone.
On the other hand, ambassadors are called to support the land to which they are sent. If they see some injustice or need they’re able to address, or observe something worthy of celebrating, does not their King require them to do so? Still, a good ambassador will steer clear of political entanglements, never forgetting Who he or she represents.
Therefore, I may call myself a patriot (although that term too has acquired baggage of late), but not a nationalist. I will celebrate this nation’s extraordinary history (without labelling it superior to all others), strive to make it better, and honor it in any way I can.
But I will never cease to serve my King.
“For God was, in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
~2 Corinthians 5:19-20
Mitch Teemley 
Amen.
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In ALL things our Lord comes first. Yes we celebrate our freedom and that too comes from Christ first and above all. May God continue to bless America and the freedoms He has given us.
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Well said, brother.
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Thanks, sis.
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We are to pray for the welfare of the city (Jeremiah), build houses, plant gardens, a live in peace as a blessing to our neighbors. But we are aliens no matter where we live until we reach our eternal home.
You have articulated well the real Christian attitude toward nation and home.
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Thanks, Rob.
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Well stated, my brother in Christ!
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Thank you, Sherrey!
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To celebrate, or not to celebrate. It is indeed a tough call. I think I need to spend some time in the prayer closet on this one. Especially today, in the light of recent events. Thank you for the prompt, brother.
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Yes, it’s a harder now, isn’t it, Russell?
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Happy Fourth of July, Mitch!
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Thank you, Rosaliene, you too!
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Interesting piece Mitch. Some interesting things to consider. I celebrate Independence Day. Maybe it’s the small town kid in me. And I do call myself a Christian. I don’t think they’re in disagreement … I just think folks have canibalized the concepts to make them something they’re not. Christians care about god and their neighbors. I don’t think those ideals go against being a strong American citizen! Thanks for sharing!
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I was thinking about this today. I decided that I am celebrating the fact that I live in a country where I am mostly free to live as I please, worship as I please, come and go freely, have many options as far as consumer goods and have plenty of food. I also celebrate that there are some great people in this country. America isn’t perfect, but neither is ANY country. Happy Independence Day! God bless America.
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I am flying my flag and celebrating the freedoms I do have. Praying for my nation, leaders, and fellow Americans and humans around the world. Sadly, no one seems to agree on much these days, but I want to find the positive, live my life, and share God’s love. …and wait for heaven 🙏
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It seems to me like your Facebook friend is trying to create a problem/dilemma where one does not exist.
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Colour me intrigued: do you not agree that it’s a phlyarologism to celebrate something without being clear on what it is that’s being celebrated, or why it’s happening (other than simply an excuse for a party, perhaps – and if that’s the case then at least be honest about it)?
Over here in Blighty, many folk similarly celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee… I did not, as I am not a royalist; I disagree with the institution of the British monarchy, and think it should be abolished (and thus find myself in agreement, albeit a couple of hundred years late, with at least some aspects of the desire of USAns to celebrate their ‘Independence Day’).
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I’m a bit unclear what “phlyarologism” (had to look that one up) you’re referring to. Saw the excellent post you reblooged from our mutual friend Russell, btw, so I wonder if that’s partly what you’re thinking of.
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I was attempting to solicit elucidation from River Dixon regarding his implication that the Facebook friend to whom you refer in the first paragraph of your post didn’t have a point.
It is of course entirely possible that I simply misunderstood.
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Pingback: Forward or Backward? | Russellings of the Spirit
Currently I’m striking a balance – precarious…
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Just like Lisa, I too have raised our flag high and said a few prayers while doing so. I love our country; I do not love what is happening to her. I am a patriot and a Christian; for me the two are inseparable. I am eternally grateful for my rights, my freedom and the many blessings God has bestowed on me and my family. God is mighty indeed and in Him alone do I put my trust. Wishing you and yours a Happy Independence Day. ✝️ 🇺🇸 🙏🏼
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Thank you, Nancy, you too.
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Well said, Mitch! I think celebrating our country doesn’t mean we put it before God, or that we think it is perfect. No country is perfect. It just means we are grateful to be Americans, proud of its accomplishments, and are aware of its faults and our duty to work on those faults. Happy Independence day!
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You too, Ann!
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2 corinthians 5:22 missing fruit of the spirit & broken spirit
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Perfect!
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In answer to your post’s question, Mark 12:17 comes to my mind.
I, too, marvel, yet rest, in Jesus’ clear and concise response when He answered saying that we are to “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
On that note, it frees me to not only continue to grow spiritually, through studying His word, but also encourages me to learn more about the earthly parts of my life, and specifically in light of your post’s topic, the foundations pertaining to the 4th of July Celebrations. Two resources that support this learning, and that many find valuable are “Wallbuilders” and “Constitution Coach”.
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Yes, we’re always walking that fine line between being in the world (or specifically in our case, the U.S.), but not of it. I especially like what you wrote about being a patriot, but not a nationalist.
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Well said! I am not American but that didn’t stop me from raising a glass to the Great Eagle on 4 July!
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We had a Volunteer Appreciation Cookout for the 4th. Given our crowd it was either a celebration of independence or a funeral for democracy in light of recent events…
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