For most people in the United States July 4th is a day to celebrate and take pride in America, its foundation, its current existence and power, as well as an excuse to share fireworks and hotdogs with friends. For me and many other Christians around the U.S. this day means something different.
Recently I shared an
article written by Shane Claiborne regarding “Independence Day” in which he encouraged the reader to think of it as “Interdependence Day.” I like what Shane and his friends had to say for the most part and the reason is that I decided to follow the way of Jesus Christ and accept his Good News on July 4th 2002. Ever since that day I have viewed the Fourth of July as my “Dependence Day” because I’ve realized how dependent I am upon G-D and how different that thought is on a day where people celebrate their ability to separate themselves from other people and groups for their own sake. While most of the nation will spend time singing patriotic songs that glorify the country they live in, I can’t help but remember that religious freedom and “fair” taxes are not the greatest of victories or blessings. Christ on the cross is victory (Colossians 2:13-15) and all are in desperate need of a saviour whereas religious freedom is simply a nice treat for those desiring an easy life (Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 21:12-19, 1Corinthians 4:12-13, 2Corinthians 4:8-10, 2Timothy 3:12, 1Peter 3:13-17). Tertullian once said that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for a lot of what the United States offers me. My citizenship in this land is a gift and I should not neglect it just as Paul did not neglect his Roman citizenship (Acts 16:38-40, 22:25-29). No country is perfect, and I don’t believe G-D loves or blesses America any more than any other bordered land (as if lines on paper could restrict or guide the love of the Creator).
I don’t think freedom of religion is necessarily better than a lack of religious freedom and I don’t support violent military endeavors but I do see the good in democracy and the attempt to create a land where all people can function together somewhat peacefully (even if I find it impossible outside of the kingdom of G-D).
As a Christian, I don’t see any legitimate reason to celebrate the independence of the United States and what it took for them to achieve and keep it (since Christians can not support many of the methods used to do both). For the same reason that I can not say the pledge of allegiance, I can not celebrate America. The ideals of the U.S. and means of seizing those ideals are often contrary to the way of Christ. The quest for power is of no interest to those who leave everything to follow Christ (Matthew 19:27, Mark 10:28, Luke 5:11, Luke 5:28) and become servants of all men (Mark 9:35).
The United States is not incredibly important to me because it’s no more than the land I live in. In a letter to Diognetus it was written of the Christians in the second century, “
They live in their own countries, but only as guests and aliens. They take part in everything as citizens and endure everything as aliens. Every foreign country is their homeland, and every homeland is a foreign country to them.” I’m a stranger here because I’m a citizen of the kingdom of G-D (Philippians 3:20, Acts 21:39). I don’t celebrate the national holidays belonging to any nation because I have no reason to if I love all people and am not bound by borders and am a citizen in a greater kingdom all ready. Again, I give thanks for my blessings but recognize those blessings are from G-D and not men in white houses or in combat boots. All perfect gifts are from the Father (James 1:17-18) and knowing this keeps me from patriolatry. I am dependent on G-D and belong to his kingdom and submit no allegiance to any kingdom/country that is less than that of heaven.
My challenge to fellow believers in Christ Jesus for this Fourth of July is to give thanks for what G-D has given you, pray for the future of this land and its authorities, that justice may be present, and acknowledge your dependence upon G-D alone (Psalm 62). If you watch fireworks, eat hot dogs, or play with sparklers please know that you have blessings where you are but that the United States will pass away (1John 2:17) and that it’s okay not to get caught up in nationalistic festivities. At the same time, take the opportunity to love people and hear their stories and even share your own. After all, the freedom found in Christ is far more intriguing and nourishing than any man-invented freedom (as if man could free himself from his own sinful creations).
Comments (3)
Good post.